Annual 'Outdoor Skills Day' highlights free visitor activities in June at Mueller State Park

Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / [email protected]

May 30, 2023

Annual 'Outdoor Skills Day' a program highlight at Mueller State Park in June

By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator

DIVIDE, Colo. – The popular annual Outdoor Skills Day, as well as a program tracing the history of Native Americans in the region and finally a “Star Party” highlight a wide variety of programs for visitors to Mueller State Park in June.

There will also be the usual selection of guided hikes, arts and crafts programs, wildlife watching and more as the summer season ramps up.

Outdoor Skills Day is one of Mueller’s biggest events of the summer. It’s a day of free family fun that allows everyone to experience a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors from cooking over a campfire to fishing to target shooting, archery and much more.

This year, Outdoor Skills Day is on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is free to all visitors to the park with a valid parks pass.

Another highlight is the History of the Pikes Peak Region series that will occur every Thursday night in the amphitheater. Historians will examine Colorado through time.

On Thursday, June 1, the program will feature the Ute Indians, how they evolved from the early Paleo Americans of the Ice Age and never migrated from this region. Learn about Native Americans and the development of Colorado from the 1470s to 1880s.

Future Thursday night programs will focus on eras in history such as the gold rush, fur trade, ghost towns and women who made an impact. 

Finally, Mueller will host a “Star Party” from 8:30-10:30 p.m. on June 30. Members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society will bring their telescopes and give visitors a tour of the night sky.

Following is a list of free programs for Mueller guests in June:  

Thursday, June 1

Tree Identification Hike
9 a.m. Meet at the Wapiti Trailhead
Join Naturalist Abby on this short, family-friendly 1-mile hike and learn how to better identify the many trees of the park. 

History of Native Americans in the Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
The Ute Indians evolved from the early Paleo Americans of the Ice Age and never migrated from this region. Learn about Native Americans and the development of Colorado from the 1470s to 1880s. Dress warm and join us for this interesting period in history. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Friday, June 2

Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Volunteer Craig will teach the basics of fly fishing for visitors 8 years and up. Equipment is provided.

Hug a Tree For Kids
2 p.m. Meet at the Camper Services
Basic survival in the woods for kids 5 and up. Go home with some survival items and skills. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.

Peak View Hike
3 p.m. Meet at the Elk Meadow Trailhead
Join Naturalist Jack on a hike down to Peak View Pond to look for salamanders. Easy 1.25-mile hike.

Learn the Burn
8:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater. Join Naturalist Jack and learn about what wildfires do for the forest and wildlife.

Saturday, June 3

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Learn about migrating spring birds as they’re busy singing, courting and nesting on this 1.5-mile, slow-paced hike led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.

National Trails Day Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Lost Pond Trailhead
Join Naturalist Abby on a 2.5-mile hike to celebrate and care for trails while learning the Leave No Trace principles.

Full Moon Hike
9 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Watch the full moon rise over Pikes Peak and learn fun facts about the night sky on this easy 1-mile round-trip hike. Dress for cool weather. Bring a headlamp. Led by Volunteer Jim.

Sunday, June 4

Roaming Cats: Skulls and Furs
9-11 a.m. Meet at Camper Services
Stop by the Camper Services building to hear Naturalist Jack talk all about the cats that prowl the park and how to identify the elusive lynx.

Monday, June 5

Sight and Sound Hike
10 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Volunteer Naturalist Jim leads an easy 1-mile hike in search of the elusive Calypso Orchid and to hear the beautiful song of the Hermit Thrush.

Cahill Loop Hike
2 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead

Naturalist Jack leads a moderate 2.4-mile hike back in time to the era of bootleggers and outlaws that includes a visit the cabin of the notorious Cahill brothers.

Tuesday, June 6

Osborn Loop Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Imagine what it was like to homestead here and survive off the land. Hear the Osborn family story. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Penny.

Wednesday, June 7

Sight and Sound Hike
10 a.m Meet at the Visitor Center
Volunteer Naturalist Jim leads an easy 1-mile hike in search of the elusive Calypso Orchid and to hear the beautiful song of the Hermit Thrush.

Thursday, June 8

Dynamite Jog 
9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Volunteer Marisa leads an easy to moderate 1.8-mile, novice-level jog through the Mueller woods to the Dynamite Cabin. Please wear proper footwear for running the trails.

Peak View Hike 
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Enjoy the beautiful views along Peak View trail with Naturalist Abby on this gorgeous, 1.5-mile, round-trip hike.

History of Early Explorers and Military in the Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
The Spanish were searching for gold, the U.S. Army was exploring the unknown west, mountain men were living off the land and the government was searching for a route for the railroad to California. Hear about this boom in westward expansion with Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Friday, June 9

Lunch with a Bear
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Kids 3-6 will enjoy this program about black bears with Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.

Saturday, June 10

Rock Pond Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Rock Pond Trailhead
Descend 700 feet elevation and 5-miles into the backcountry on a difficult hike with Volunteer Naturalist Penny to see the beautiful Rock Pond and possibly Calypso Orchids.

Sight and Sound Hike
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Volunteer Naturalist Jim leads an easy 1-mile hike in search of the elusive Calypso Orchid and to hear the beautiful song of the Hermit Thrush.

Paramount Catamounts
8:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Learn about the different big cats that prowl the area and what to do if you see one. All ages welcome. Since we don’t have fur like our feline friends, bring a jacket for the cool, evening air.

Sunday, June 11

Tracks Table
9-11 a.m. Meet at Camper Services
Stop by the Camper Services building to investigate the many different tracks of animals in the park and even create your own track casting. Led by Naturalist Abby.

Monday, June 12

Lost Pond Hike
2 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Join Naturalist Jack to discover Lost Pond on a difficult 2.6-mile hike that wanders into the hills to Raven Ridge Outlook to see the backcountry of the park.

Tuesday, June 13

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Come see and hear the migrating birds as they’re busy singing, courting, and nesting on this easy 1.5-mile walk led by Volunteer Naturalist Craig.

Wednesday, June 14

Pond Safari
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Explore the underwater world of the pond to see who lives there. Hands-on fun for the whole family. Led by Naturalist Abby.

Thursday, June 15

Sketch Hike
8:30 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Join Volunteers Eileen and Carrie on a 1.5-mile hike to the top of Grouse Mountain. Stop for an outdoor sketching session with local artist Cyndi. No experience necessary for sketching and supplies will be provided. Rated moderate because of steep hills.

Preacher’s Hollow Trail Jog
9 a.m. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead
Trail trotters, join Volunteer Marisa on a 2-mile novice-level hike/jog to see Never Never Pond.

History of Fur Trade in Pikes Peak Region
8:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Beginning in 1820, the trade in Beaver Fur was the industry of Colorado for over 30 years and led to the exploration and development of Colorado. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Dark Sky Hike
9 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Watch the night sky unfold. Learn how to find the North Star, constellations and fun facts about the cosmos on an easy 1-mile, round trip with Volunteer Naturalist Jim. Dress for cool weather and bring a headlamp.

Friday, June 16

Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Volunteer Craig will teach the basics of fly fishing for visitors 8 years and up. Equipment is provided.

Nature Crafts
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Kids 3 and up will make a variety of crafts from Mother Nature and take them home. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.

F.U.N:  Furs and Useful Noggins
7:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Join Naturalists Jack and Abby for a fun, yet educational campfire. Get hands-on experience with the skins and skulls of animals found in the park.

Saturday, June 17

Archery for Beginners
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Kids ages 8 and up will learn to shoot a bow and arrow. Equipment provided. Led by the park naturalists.

Owl Pellets
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Join Naturalist Abby as we investigate the life of an owl. Hands on and fascinating.

S’more Stories
8:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Come gather around the campfire and tell some spooky stories with Naturalist Jack while enjoying S’mores.

Sunday, June 18

Tracks Table
9-11 a.m. Stop by Camper Services
Come investigate the many different tracks of animals in the park and even create your own track casting. Led by Naturalist Abby.

Monday, June 19

School Pond Hike
10 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead
Class is in session. Join Naturalist Jack on a moderate 2-mile hike down to School Pond to check for local wildlife. Bring water and good hiking shoes.

Fire Ecology
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Join Naturalist Jack and learn about what wildfires do for the forest and wildlife.

Tuesday, June 20

Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Volunteer Craig will teach the basics of fly fishing for visitors 8 years and up. Equipment is provided.

Wednesday, June 21

Pond Safari
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Explore the underwater world of the pond to see who lives there. Hands-on fun for the whole family. Led by Naturalist Abby.

Thursday, June 22

Lost Pond Trail Jog
9 a.m. Meet at Lost Pond Trailhead
Join Volunteer Marissa on a moderate to difficult 2-6 mile trail run to discover Lost Pond then to Outlook Ridge to see some backcountry. 

Preacher’s Hollow Hike
2 p.m. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead
Follow Naturalist Jack on an easy to moderate 2 mile hike to see Never Never Pond.

History of Mining in Pikes Peak Region
8:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
The discovery of Gold in the Denver area in 1858, led to a mass migration to Colorado and the beginning of the mining industry. Join Volunteer Naturalist Paul to explore the gold industry that led to Colorado statehood.

Saturday, June 24

Outdoor Skills  Day
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us for a day full of fun trying new ways to enjoy the outdoors. Learn from experts fly fishing, spin-casting, camp cooking, eating S’mores, bird watching, target shooting, archery and so much more. Don’t miss this great annual event.

Sunday, June 25

Wapiti Nature Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead
Look for spring wildflowers, birds and trees on a slow-paced 1-mile loop led by Volunteer Michael.

Monday, June 26

Preacher’s Hollow Hike
10 p.m. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead
Join Naturalist Jack on a 2-mile hike to see Never Never Pond.

Fire Ecology
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Join Naturalist Jack and learn about what wildfires do for the forest and wildlife.

Thursday, June 29

Dynamite Jog
9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Volunteer Marisa leads an easy to moderate 1.8-mile, novice-level jog through the Mueller woods to the Dynamite Cabin. Please wear proper footwear for running the trails.

Tree Identification Hike
3 p.m. Meet at the Wapiti Trailhead
Join Naturalist Abby on this short, family-friendly 1-mile hike and learn how to better identify the many trees of the park. 

History of Railroads in Pikes Peak Region
8:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
During the gold rush era, from 1870 to 1910, 5,000 miles of railroads were built through some of the most demanding terrain and made the settlement of Colorado possible. Led by Volunteer Paul.

Friday, June 30

Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Volunteer Craig will teach the basics of fly fishing for visitors 8 years and up. Equipment is provided.

Knee High to Nature
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Volunteer Naturalist Rusty leads nature sensory activities for our youngest campers ages 3-5.

Star Party
8:30-10:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
After the moon sets, the skies are so dark, you can almost see forever. The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society will bring telescopes and give visitors a tour of the night sky. Bring a chair and blanket.

Mueller events are free for any guest with a $10 day pass, a Keep Colorado Wild annual pass, or $80 annual vehicle park pass. For more information, call the park at 719-687-2366.

Mueller State Park is located 45 minutes from Colorado Springs along Colorado Highway 67, just 3½ miles south of the intersection of U.S. Highway 24 at Divide on the west side of Pikes Peak.