Peak of wildflower season greets July visitors to Mueller and punctuate great hikes and other programs this month

July 1, 2023 Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / [email protected]

July 1, 2023

Wildflowers peak in July making hikes extra special at Mueller State Park

By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator

DIVIDE, Colo. – Wildflowers are at their peak in July, providing extra color to everyone enjoying the many trails at Mueller State Park and there are plenty of guided hike available and guides to point out the Queen’s Crown, Shooting Star, Columbine, Elephant Head and Sneezeweed that paint the meadows and hillsides.

Lots of other programs invite you to explore, play and learn in this beautiful mountain park.   There are many topics to choose from including bird walks, trail running, kids programs, fly fishing, archery, wildlife and much more.  

A highlight is the History of the Pikes Peak Region lecture series every Thursday night which looks at Colorado through time beginning before Native Americans through today.  Each night has a different focus, this month's topics are agriculture, tourism, energy, and ghost towns.

Two more favorite programs are the Star Party with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society giving a fabulous tour of the night sky. The other is a night with Live Birds of Prey. The Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo brings a few hawks, falcons or owls to give a fascinating program on the lives and rehabilitation stories of the birds.

Come soak in summer and enjoy some programs at Mueller.

Saturday, July 1

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Migrating birds have arrived and many have remained to breed and raise young. Join Volunteer Naturalist Michael on an easy, slow-paced 1.5 mile walk to see and hear the summer birds as they are busy caring for their young and preparing to fledge.

Rock Pond Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Descend 700 feet elevation into the backcountry to the beautiful Rock Pond on this difficult 5-mile hike led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose.

Build-A-Bug
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Stop by the auditorium to learn the basics of bug anatomy and create your very own bug friend.

Cahill Loop Hike
2:30 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain trailhead
Hike with Naturalist Jack back in time to the era of bootleggers and outlaws and visit the cabin of the notorious Cahill brothers on this moderate, 2.4-mile hike. 

Learn The Burn
7:30 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Burning with questions? Join Naturalist Jack and learn about what wildfires do for the forest and wildlife.

Sunday, July 2

Salamander Search
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Naturalist Abby on an easy 1.25-mile hike down to Peak View Pond to look for salamanders.

Wednesday, July 5

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Migrating birds have arrived and many have remained to breed and raise young. Join Volunteer Naturalist Craig on an easy, slow-paced 1.5 mile walk to see and hear the summer birds as they are busy caring for their young and preparing to fledge.

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.

Thursday, July 6

Outlook Ridge Trail Jog
9 a.m. Meet at the Outlook Ridge trailhead
Come join Volunteer Marisa on a 2-mile jog/run at a beginner’s pace. Outlook Ridge Trailhead is a great point to explore the scenic vistas, wildflowers and possibly spot some wildlife.

Wapiti Guided Hike
9:30 a.m. Meet at the Wapiti trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Daksha on this  1-mile hike to discuss the ecology of the park and the region.

History of Agriculture in Pikes Peak
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Driven by the need to feed the miners in Colorado, the desire for land by Civil War Veterans, and the evolution of agricultural technology, agriculture became a major industry of Colorado beginning in the 1860s. Join Volunteer Paul in the Thursday night series of history of the Pikes Peak Region.

Friday, July 7

Geer Pond Hike
2:30 p.m. Meet at Black Bear trailhead
See Lost Pond and Geer Pond on this 3.25-mile hike into the backcountry. Our biggest pond is home to cutthroat trout,  birds of all kinds and wildflowers throughout the summer. Led by Naturalist Jack.

Native American Legends Campfire
7:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Join Naturalist Jack and hear Ute stories about the local area. Welcome to all ages.

Saturday, July 8

Cahill Cabin Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Hike with Naturalist Rose back in time to the era of bootleggers and outlaws and visit the cabin of the notorious Cahill brothers on this moderate, 2.4-mile hike. 

Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku Walk
10 a.m. Meet outside Visitor Center
Immerse in the joy and wonder of nature through the relaxing practice of Forest Bathing/shinrin-yoku, gaining popularity worldwide. Join Nature Therapy guide Jane on this peaceful, 1-mile wander to awaken the senses and connect closely with the land, closing with forest tea. Ages 12+ recommended.

Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Anglers 8 and up can learn the basics of fly fishing with Volunteer Craig. Equipment provided.

Archery for Beginners
1 p.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Park naturalists will teach anyone 8 and older to shoot a bow and arrow. Equipment provided. 

Preacher’s Hollow Hike
2:30 p.m. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow trailhead
Join Naturalist Jack on a moderate 2-mile hike to Never Never Pond.

Sunday, July 9

Wapiti Guided Hike
9:30 a.m. Meet at the Wapiti trailhead
Volunteer Naturalist Michael leads a slow-paced, 1-mile hike and discusses the general natural history and unique characteristics of Mueller State Park as you look for wildflowers, birds and trees.

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.

Thursday, July 13 

Dynamite Jog 
9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain trailhead
Jog this easy to moderate route through the beautiful woods of Mueller. Have a glimpse of the Dynamite Cabin. All runners are welcome but this will be at a novice level. Led by Volunteer Marisa. 1.8-mile, round trip, trail run/jog. Please wear proper footwear for running the trails.

Wapiti Guided Hike
9:30 a.m. Meet at the Wapiti trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Daksha on this , 1-mile hike to discuss the ecology of the park and the region.

Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Anglers 8 and up can learn the basics of fly fishing with Volunteer Craig. Equipment provided.

History of Tourism in Pikes Peak 
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
In our weekly series, Volunteer Paul discusses the park’s history starting with Native Americans who were the earliest known users of Colorado hot springs as a place to rest and meditate. They were quickly followed by explorers and pioneers in the 1870s. Learn about the first ski area near Mueller State Park and the multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities in this region.

Friday, July 14 

Knots and Lashing 
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Ages 6 an up can learn the camp skill of tying knots and lashing from Volunteer Naturalist Rusty. Learn two basic knots and make a project to take home. 

Geology of Colorado
3 p.m. Meet outside the Visitor Center
Join Naturalist Linda to investigate the rocks of the park and learn more about the formation of our peaks.

Constellation Overview
7 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Learn about the constellations in the sky inside the auditorium with Volunteer Naturalist Pat. Good preview before seeing the real things outside.

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 their telescopes and give you a fabulous tour of the night sky. Bring a chair and blanket.

Saturday, July 15

Wildflower Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Enjoy the beautiful views and search for wildflowers along the trail with Naturalist Abby on this 1.5-mile hike.

Geer Pond Hike
2:30 p.m. Meet at Black Bear trailhead
See Lost Pond and Geer Pond on this 2.5-mile hike into the backcountry with Naturalist Jack. Our biggest pond is home to cutthroat trout, birds of all kinds and wildflowers throughout the summer.

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

Sunday, July 16

Pond Safari 
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Explore the underwater world of the pond to see what lives there in this hands-on and fun program.  Learn about ecosystems, water quality, and aquatic creepy crawlies. Learn about the trout vs. carp dichotomy and some brief words about the water quality of Dragonfly Pond and the life therein. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.

Wildflower Watercolors
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Join Naturalist Abby as we gather a few specimens on the Wapiti Nature Trail to use as inspirations for painting. All supplies provided.

Tuesday, July 18

Osborn Homestead Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear trailhead
Check out this 3.3-mile loop trail with Naturalist Jack. Imagine what it was like to scratch out a living at this homestead 100+ years ago.

Wednesday, July 19

Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Anglers 8 and up can learn the basics of fly fishing with Volunteer Craig. Equipment provided.

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.

Thursday, July 20

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.

Peak View Trail Jog
9 a.m. Meet at the Elk Meadow trailhead
Enjoy the beautiful views along Peak View  trail with Volunteer Marisa on this 2.2-mile trail jog. This run will be at a novice level.

Wapiti Guided Hike
9:30 a.m. Meet at the Wapiti trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Daksha on this 1-mile hike to discuss the ecology of the park and the region.

History of Colorado Energy
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
In our weekly series, Volunteer Paul traces the history and sources of Colorado energy from wood to wind. .

Friday, July 21

Hug A Tree 
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Ages 5 and up will learn basic survival in the woods from Volunteer Rusty and go home with some survival items and skills.

Cahill Loop Hike
3 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain trailhead
Hike with Naturalist Jack back in time to the era of bootleggers and outlaws and visit the cabin of the notorious Cahill brothers on this moderate, 2.4-mile hike. 

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

Saturday, July 22 

Archery for Beginners
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Park naturalists will teach anyone 8 and older to shoot a bow and arrow. Equipment provided. 

Osborn Cabin Hike
2:30 p.m. Meet at Black Bear trailhead
Check out this 3.3-mile loop trail with Naturalist Jack. Imagine what it was like to scratch out a living at this homestead 100+ years ago.

Learn The Burn
7:30 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Burning with questions? Join Naturalist  Jack and learn about what wildfires do for the forest and wildlife.

Sunday, July 23

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.

Wednesday, July 26

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

Thursday, July 27

Homestead Trail Jog
9 a.m. Meet at the Homestead trailhead
Join Volunteer Marisa on a novice-level trail that begins with a quick descent at first. From there enjoy the relatively flat, winding path through pine and aspen groves. The 2-mile hike ends with a short climb to the parking lot.

Wapiti Guided Hike
9:30 a.m. Meet at the Wapiti trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Daksha on this 1-mile hike to discuss the ecology of the park and the region.

History of Ghost Towns 
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Colorado has approximately 600 ghost towns with buildings and artifacts attesting to their history. The economy that created the towns and stories of their abandonment recounts the history of Colorado development. Weekly series on the Pikes Peak Region by Volunteer Paul.

Friday, July 28 

Tracking & Trailing 
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Ages 6+ Learn how to find animals, Play an animal game and make an animal craft. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.

Geology of Colorado
3:30 p.m. Meet outside the Visitor Center
Join Naturalist Jack to investigate the rocks of the park and learn more about the formation of our beloved peaks.

All About Bats
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Though commonly misunderstood, bats play a valuable role in ecosystems across Colorado. Join Naturalists Jack and Abby to learn all about bats.

Saturday, July 29

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow trailhead
Migrating birds have arrived and many have remained to breed and raise young. Join Volunteer Naturalist Michael on an easy, slow-paced 1.5 mile walk to see and hear the summer birds as they are busy caring for their young and preparing to fledge.

Wildflower Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Lost Pond trailhead
Enjoy the beautiful views and search for wildflowers on the way to Geer Pond with Naturalist Abby on this 2-mile hike.

Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Anglers 8 and up can learn the basics of fly fishing with Volunteer Craig. Equipment provided.

Preacher’s Hollow Hike
2:30 p.m. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow trailhead
Join Naturalist Jack on a moderate 2-mile hike to Never Never Pond.

LIVE - Birds of Prey
7 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Come learn about birds and their habitats by meeting a few birds of prey in person. Guest speaker will be Diana Miller, sharing her 30+ year career with raptors from the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo.

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.