Annual 'Western Heritage Day' on Aug. 26 highlights events at Mueller in August

July 31, 2023 Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / [email protected]

July 31, 2023

Annual ‘Western Heritage Day’ on Aug. 26 highlights busy month at Mueller in August

By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator

DIVIDE, Colo. –  Celebrate the heritage of Mueller State Park from its time as a home to Native American residents through its ranching history until it became one of Colorado’s state parks at the annual “Western Heritage Day” on Aug. 26.

The day-long festival will feature pioneer crafts and skills like spinning, weaving, quilting and cooking over a fire. See farm animals and get a free pony ride for kids. Try panning for gold and “steer” roping. 

Kids get a free pony ride. They can join in the Kid’s Stick Horse Rodeo. Or they can take a hay ride to the historic Cheesman Ranch.

The festival is one of a wide variety of programs for all ages offered to visitors at Mueller in August.

Guided hikes will take guests to historic sites and scenic spots. Evening programs include a stargazing party, talks on the history of the Pikes Peak Region and wildlife education programs. Hands-on kids programs get children interacting with nature and adults like it too.

In the “History of the Pikes Peak Region” program series every Thursday night, the focus this month will be on “Influential Women of Colorado,” early explorers, the fur trade, ghost towns and how Colorado became a state.

Debbie Barnes, a local bird expert, will present a program on raptors, birds of prey and how to identify them. Other evening programs will focus on bats, wildfire ecology, mining in Colorado and S’mores and Spooky Stories.

Daytime program fun includes archery, fly fishing, pond safari, animal tracks and a sketching hike.

Here is the full list of August programs at Mueller:

Tuesday, Aug. 1

How Colorado Became a State 
1 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
A fun part of studying history is tracing the connection of events which led to today. In this talk, we’ll trace the connection of Henry VIII of England's desire for a male heir to Colorado Statehood. Presented by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Thursday, Aug. 3

Peak View Pond Micro-Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Take a slow, 2-mile round trip walk to Peak View Pond, observing smaller elements in the landscape and ecology. Led by Naturalist Abby and great for kids.

Prowling Cats
5 p.m. Meet at Camper Services
What’s that prowling around.? Come learn about the different big cats that are in the area and what to do if you see one. Welcome to all ages. Since we don’t have fur like our feline friends, bring a jacket for the cool, evening air.

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

Friday, Aug. 4

Dynamite Cabin Hike
2 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Hike a 1.8-mile round trip trail, rated easy to moderate, through the woods of Mueller and get a glimpse of the Dynamite Cabin. Led by Naturalist Jack.

Colorado Mining
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Join Naturalist Jack while we explore the history of mining in Colorado. We’ll cover the early mining days, the gold rush, and how mining shaped the state’s economy and culture. Hands on for kids as well.

Saturday, Aug. 5

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

Cahill Loop Hike
2 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Step back in time with Naturalist Jack to the era of bootleggers and outlaws on a 2.4-mile round trip hike. Visit the cabin of the notorious Cahill brothers.

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

Sunday, Aug. 6

Hike Wapiti Nature Trail
9 a.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead (south end of Visitor Center parking lot) for a general natural history hike. Learn about the unique characteristics of Mueller State Park. Look for wildflowers, birds, and trees on this 1-mile slow-paced loop led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael. 

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, Aug. 9

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, Aug. 10

Cheesman Ranch Trail Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Rose on a 5.25-mile trek to Cheesman Ranch in the beautiful backcountry. Rated moderate due to a few steep inclines, length and sun exposure.

Outlook Ridge Leave No Trace Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Join Naturalist Abby as we pick up trash and leave the trail better than we found it on a 1.8-mile round trip hike to the Raven Ridge Overlook.

Dynamite Cabin Hike
3:30 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Hike a 1.8-mile round trip trail, rated easy to moderate, through the woods of Mueller and get a glimpse of the Dynamite Cabin. Led by Naturalist Jack.

Early Explorers and Military in Pikes Peak
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
The Spanish were among the earliest European explorers of Colorado as they searched unsuccessfully for gold. With the Louisiana Purchase, the U.S. Army was sent to explore and map the new purchase, with ongoing exploration by the mountain men and government mapping in search of a route for the railroads to California. Dress warm and join us for this interesting period in the History of the Pikes Peak region. Presented by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Friday, Aug. 11

Peak View Pond Hike
2 p.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Take 1.25-mile stroll through the forest on the way to Peak View Pond with Naturalist Abby.

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

STAR PARTY
8:30-10:30 p.m. 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, Aug. 12

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 kids. 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. 

Archery for Beginners
1 p.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn to shoot a bow and arrow. Ages 8 and up, equipment provided. Led by the park naturalists.

Geer Pond Hike
3 p.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
See 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.

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

Sunday, Aug. 13

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.

Tuesday, Aug. 15

School Pond Hike
9 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead
Join Naturalist Abby on this 1.61-mile loop to School Pond traversing gentle hills and encountering lots of wildflowers. Great for kids.

Thursday, Aug. 17

Sketch Hike
8:30 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Join Volunteer Eileen and on a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike along Outlook Ridge and stop for an outdoor sketching session. No experience necessary for sketching and supplies will be provided.

Geer Pond Hike
3:30 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.

Fur Trade in Pikes Peak Region
8 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. This first industry of the Pikes Peak region led to the future development of the west. Presented by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Friday, Aug. 18

Colorado Mining
3 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Join Naturalist Jack and explore the history of mining in Colorado. We’ll cover the early mining days, the gold rush, and how mining shaped the state’s economy and culture. Hands on for kids.

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

Saturday, Aug. 19

Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadows Trailhead
Migrating birds have arrived and many have remained to breed and raise young. Come see and hear the summer birds as they are busy caring for their young and preparing to fledge on a 1.5-mile, slow-paced walk led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael with special guest Joe Lefleur (regional bird expert).

Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku Walk
9:30 a.m. Meet outside Visitor Center
Unwind and immerse your senses in nature's beauty and wonder. Enjoy creating ephemeral (temporary) art with elements we find (and leave) on this mindful 1-mile wellness wander with Nature Therapy Guide Jane. We close with a forest tea. Bring water and rain gear. Ages 12+ recommended.

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

Osborn Loop Hike
3 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.

Birds of Prey
8 p.m. At the Amphitheater
Join raptor expert Debbie Barnes for an evening all about the many birds of prey found in Colorado. Learn to identify those confusing and majestic birds.

Sunday, Aug. 20

Peak View Pond Micro-Hike
10 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Take a slow, 2-mile round trip walk to Peak View Pond, observing smaller elements in the landscape and ecology. Led by Naturalist Abby and great for kids.

Wednesday, Aug. 23

School Pond Loop Hike
9 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead
Join Naturalist Abby on this 1.61-mile loop to School Pond through gentle hills and lots of wildflowers.

Thursday, Aug. 24

Dynamite Cabin Hike
3 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Hike a 1.8-mile round trip trail, rated easy to moderate, through the woods of Mueller and get a glimpse of the Dynamite Cabin. Led by Naturalist Jack.

Ghost Towns in Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. 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. Presented by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.

Friday, Aug. 25

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

Saturday, Aug. 26

Western Heritage Day
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Celebrate the ranching history of Mueller State Park at this family-friendly festival. Learn how the Mueller family raised cattle and award-winning Quarter Horses on this land. Try out some pioneer crafts and skills, games and tasty treats. Free pony rides for kids. Artisans sharing their talents - spinning and weaving, quilting, farm animals, hay ride and much more.

Sunday, Aug. 27

Grouse Mountain Trail
9 a.m.  Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
General nature hike to the highest point in the park with a beautiful overlook. See if moss really does grow on the north side of the tree. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.

Tuesday, Aug. 29

Rock Pond Trail Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Rock Pond Trailhead
A favorite trail in the park, this trail descends into a lush valley in the backcountry to a beautiful pond, then up a canyon to see a tiny waterfall. Rated difficult due to 700 feet elevation change. Bring water and a snack. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

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, Aug. 31

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

Osborn Loop Hike
3:30 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.

Mueller events are free for any guest with a $10 day pass, a $29 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.