As back-to-school thoughts loom, plenty of fun and learning available at Mueller State Park

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

July 27, 2022

As school looms, fun and learning continue in August at Mueller State Park  

By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator

DIVIDE, Colo. – As the summer vacation season enters August, and back-to-school thoughts loom in kids’ minds, there’s still plenty of time to visit Mueller State Park and learn about nature, history and outdoor skills on a variety of planned guided hikes, campfire programs and special events. 

Our park programs in August include interactive fun including using GPS when hiking, how to fly fishing, introduction to archery, a pond safari, bird watching and children’s programs.

For history buffs, come to our Thursday night series of amphitheater programs about the history of the Pikes Peak region.

Then there’s Western Heritage Day on Aug. 20. This special event celebrates the Old West and the ranching history of Mueller. We’ll host a festival to enjoy pioneer crafts, animals, campfire cooking, old time toys and games and lots more such as taking a hayride to the historic Cheesman Ranch. 

Kids get a free pony ride. They can join in the Kid’s Stick Horse Rodeo. Or they can watch a farrier trim a horse’s feet. They can even get a jump on the upcoming school year by learning about the Gold Spike in the railroad.

Here is the full list of August programs at Mueller:

Monday, Aug. 1

History of How Colorado Became a State
2:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
A fun part of studying history is tracing the connection of events, which lead to today. In this talk, we trace the connection of events to Henry VIII of England's desire for a male heir to Colorado Statehood.

Sunset Hike
7 p.m.  Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Join Naturalist Jacob on an easy one-mile hike to see the sun set over the Continental Divide.  Dress warmly and bring a flashlight for the way back.

Tuesday, Aug. 2

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Birds are breeding and raising their young. Join Volunteer Naturalist Michael on this 1.5-mile walk to see and hear the summer birds as they are busy caring for their young and fledging. 

Wednesday, Aug. 3

Grouse Mountain Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Join Naturalist Ben for a short hike to the highest point in the park.  Enjoy the views and keep an eye open for wildflowers.

Thursday, Aug. 4

Fitness Hike: Aspen Trail
8:30 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead
Join Naturalist Ben on an aggressive conditioning hike designed to build endurance with minimal stopping. This trail consists of seven steep hills and is strenuous. Bring plenty of water. Difficult 3.5-miles roundtrip.

History of Colorado Energy
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Colorado has always been a leader in energy technology. In this talk, led by Naturalist Paul, we will trace the history and sources of Colorado energy from wood to wind. 

Friday, Aug. 5

Outlook Ridge Sketching Hike
8:30 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalists Eileen and Carrie on this three-mile hike past beautiful views of Pikes Peak and rock outcroppings. Stop for an outdoor sketching session with local artist Cyndi before continuing our hike past Lost Pond and ascending to the trailhead. No experience necessary for sketching and supplies will be provided. Rated moderate because of steep hills.

Archery
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn to shoot a bow and arrow. Ages 8 and up, equipment provided. Led by the Naturalist Team.

Knee High to Nature
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Nature sensory activities for our youngest campers. Ages 3-5. Led by Volunteer Naturalists Rusty and Lori.

Living With Bears
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Want to learn more about bears? Naturalist Jacob can barely wait to tell you all about them. Meet at the amphitheater for an informative presentation all about one of our most popular neighbors.

Saturday, Aug. 6

Fly Fishing
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Volunteer Craig. 8 years and up. Equipment provided.

Scavenger Hunt Hike
2 p.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead
Sharpen your nature detective skills on a fun scavenger hunt in the forest. Great for all ages. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Sunset Hike
7 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Join Naturalist Ben on an easy one-mile hike to see the sun set over the Continental Divide. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight for the way back.

Sunday, Aug. 7

Skins and Skulls
10 a.m. Meet at Camper Services
Get a hands-on experience with the skins and skulls of animals you might find here in the park and learn fun facts from Naturalist Ben.

Monday, Aug. 8 

Hike: School Pond
9 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead
Join Naturalist Jacob on a moderate, 2-mile hike on School Pond Loop. Watch for signs of wildflowers and birds.

Tuesday, Aug. 9

Hike: Wapiti Nature Trail 
8:30 a.m.  Meet at Wapiti Trailhead
A general natural history hike.  Learn about the unique characteristics of Mueller State Park. Look for wildflowers, birds, and trees. 1-mile slow-paced loop. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.

Wednesday, Aug. 10

Wildflower Wednesday Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Preachers Hollow Trailhead
Gentle hills and a peaceful pond on this two-mile hike. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and learn how to identify them with Naturalist Ben.

Mueller Movie Night
7 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Join Naturalist Jacob in a showing of the movie Up. Popcorn will be provided.

Thursday, Aug. 11

Hike: Buffalo Rock
8:30 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Take a three-mile hike through forests and open grassland with Naturalist Ben to look for birds and other animals that call Mueller home.

Fly Fishing
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Volunteer Craig. For ages 8 years and up. Equipment provided.

History of Ghost Towns in Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
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. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Friday, Aug. 12

Hike: Rock Pond and Canyon
8 am Meet at Rock Pond Trailhead
Join Naturalist Ben on this trip down in the montane forest through a lush canyon and to a scenic pond. This is a moderate to steep five-mile hike with a 700-foot elevation change. Bring lots of water.

Nature Crafts
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Make fun items using materials from nature. Ages 3 and up. Led by Volunteers Rusty and Lori.

Basic Wilderness Survival
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater 
Join Naturalist Ben for a presentation on basic wilderness survival. Learn how to be safe while enjoying the beauty of the wilderness. Dress warmly.

Saturday, Aug. 13

Hike: Osborn Homestead
9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Journey back in time to the Osborn Homestead and imagine what life was like making a living off the land. This 2.5-mile hike is led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose.

Archery
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn to shoot a bow and arrow. Ages 8 and up, equipment provided. Led by the Naturalist Team.

Geocaching
2 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Enjoy a leisure hike led by Naturalist Ben with hidden geocaches on the route. Learn how to use a GPS. Do your best to find them all. 

 

Birds are Amazing
8 p.m. At the Amphitheater
Who uses spider webs to build their nest? What bird can nest year-round at this elevation? Who flaps their wings the fastest? Learn about the birds at Mueller and their amazing lifestyles. Led by Naturalist Linda.

Sunday, Aug. 14

Nature Bingo
11 a.m. Meet at Camper Services
Come join us for a fun twist on a classic camp game. This style of bingo will include characteristics of plants and animals. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Tuesday, Aug. 16

Pond Safari
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Explore the underwater world of the pond to see who lives there. Hands-on and fun. 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. 

Wednesday, Aug. 17

Hike: Red Tail Overlook
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Join Naturalist Ben on this two-mile hike to a beautiful overlook.

Thursday, Aug. 18

Hike: Bacon Rock
9 a.m. Meet at Homestead Trailhead
Visit the interesting Bacon Rock formation and check out one of the park’s more scenic wildflower-filled valleys with Naturalist Ben.

Paper-Making
2 p.m. Meet at the Camper Services
Come make your own paper – interesting and fun. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Women as Leaders in Colorado History
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Colorado Women have always led the state of Colorado development.  In this talk, we will trace women leaders from Native Americans to 20th Century scientists. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Friday, Aug. 19

Trail Run Mueller.
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge
Join Naturalist Ben for a scenic 1.5-mile out and back run at Mueller State Park. Bring water and appropriate clothing. Will be taking a nice and easy pace, not too strenuous.

Hug a Tree
2 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Basic survival in the woods for kids. Fast- moving and go home with some survival items. Ages 5 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.

Saturday, Aug. 20

WESTERN HERITAGE DAY
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join us for a great family-fun day at Mueller to celebrate the ranching history of the park. Ride a hayride to the historic Cheesman Ranch, taste a Dutch oven treat, make butter, play with pioneer toys and games, go on a pony ride, learn about the Gold Spike of the railroad, watch a farrier shoe a horse, see weaving, quilting, spinning, ride in the Kids Stick Horse Rodeo – and so much more. All activities are free with a valid park pass on your car.

Sunday, Aug. 21

Mountain Lion Roving Program
10-11:30 a.m. Near the Comfort Station
Catch Naturalist Ben and his little red wagon to talk about everything related to mountain lions. Learn about their diet, habitat and what to do when encountered. Will be roving around the campground within the park starting at the Comfort Station and moving towards Camper Services and back.

Monday. Aug. 22

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Birds are breeding and raising their young. Join Volunteer Naturalist Michael on this 1.5-mile walk to see and hear the summer birds as they are busy caring for their young and fledging. 

Wednesday, Aug. 24

Hike: Nobel Cabin
9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Naturalist Ben will lead you on this four-mile hike. Imagine what it was like to homestead here and be one of Mueller’s early residents. Bring water.

Thursday, Aug. 25

Geocaching
2 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Enjoy a leisure hike with hidden geocaches on the route. Learn how to use a GPS. Do your best to find them all. Led by Naturalist Ben.

History of how Colorado became a state
7:30 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
A fun part of studying history is tracing the connection of events, which lead to today.  In this talk, we trace the connection of events to Henry VIII of England's desire for a male heir to Colorado Statehood. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Fly Fishing
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn the basics of fly-fishing with Volunteer Craig. For ages 8 years and up. Equipment provided.

Tree Cookie Crafts
2:30 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
Make a souvenir to take home made with a real slice of aspen. Crafty fun for all ages. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Leave No Trace Basics
7:30 p.m. Meet at the amphitheater
Learn how to responsibly recreate in the outdoors by using the Leave No Trace Principles and practice proper techniques through hands-on instruction. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Sunday, Aug. 28

Touch Table: Mystery Box
10 a.m. Meet at Camper Services
Test your knowledge of what lives here in the park by using only your hands. You never know what might be hiding in our mystery-touch box. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

Junior Ranger Adventure
1 p.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Join Naturalist Ben for an adventure around Dragonfly Pond. See some wildflowers and aquatic insects. Complete some of your Junior Ranger book. Led by Naturalist Ben.

Mueller events are free for any guest with a $9 day 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.