Enjoy bugling elk, quaking aspen, introspective hikes at Mueller in October
Bill Vogrin
Oct. 4, 2022
Enjoy bugling elk, quaking aspen, introspective hikes at Mueller in October
By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator
DIVIDE, Colo. – Autumn at Mueller State Park is a magical time filled with long hikes where you explore nature, search for the sounds of bugling elk, study the stars or examine your inner soul on a “forest bathing hike.”
There are kid programs that teach everything from nature to survival techniques to identifying animal tracks and more.
Mueller seems to shimmer in the quaking gold aspen leaves and the brisk weather in October usually perfect for a hike or picnic. Birds are flying south and animals are preparing for winter. Join us for a guided hike or program to get out and enjoy the beauty.
Here is a full list of October programs at Mueller:
Wednesday, Oct. 5
Hike: Rock Pond
9 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Join Naturalist Ashley on a trip down through the montane forest to a lush canyon and scenic pond. A favorite trail at Mueller. This is a moderate to steep 5-mile hike, 700 feet elevation change. Bring water and a snack.
Thursday, Oct. 6
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike 11
8:15 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben while we hike trails 12, 16 and 32 to the top of Grouse Mountain and past Dynamite Cabin. Estimated 4.5 miles. Dress in layers and bring water. Don’t want to do the whole challenge? That’s okay, join us anytime.
Friday, Oct. 7
Hike: Dynamite Cabin
9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
This area of Colorado has extensive history. Come explore the Dynamite Cabin and the deep forest around it. Led by Naturalist Ben. 2-miles.
Saturday, Oct. 8
10th Annual Hiking Challenge, Hike 12
8:15 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly parking lot
Join Naturalists Carrie, Eileen and Ben while we hike around Dragonfly Pond. Then we will move to the Lost Pond picnic area and hike trail 20. Estimated 3 miles. We will have the final ceremony at the Lost Pond picnic area.
Hike: Homestead Trail Loop
9 a.m. Meet at Homestead Trailhead
Explore the forests and open valleys of the park and search for signs of the changing seasons on a moderate, 2-mile hike with Naturalist Ashley.
Mammals of Mueller Touch Table
1 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Who roams around Mueller State Park? Dive deep into the different animals in the park and get a hands-on experience with their pelts led by Naturalist Ashley.
Thursday, Oct. 13
Hike: Geer Pond
9 a.m. Meet at Homestead Trailhead
Join Naturalist Ashley on a trip down to a scenic pond and view the aspen leaves as they change to their fall colors. Bring water and a snack. Around 3 miles total.
Friday, Oct. 14
Hug a Tree to Survive
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Basic survival in the woods for kids. Fast-moving and go home with some survival items. Ages 5 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.
Hike: Elk Bugling
5:30 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Every fall, bull elk seek out and compete for females. Visitors over the age of 10 can witness this amazing yearly event. This is a strenuous 3-mile, roundtrip hike, returning after dark with Naturalist Ashley.
In order to access Grouse Mountain Trailhead at this time of year you will need to park at Black Bear Trailhead parking area and hike the road adding a half mile each way (Around 4 miles total). Bring flashlights, binoculars, rain gear and wear layers. Must sign up at the Visitor Center via walk-in or by calling 719-687-2366.
Saturday, Oct. 15
Nature Bingo
1 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
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 Ashley.
Stories and S’mores
7 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Have any good stories to share? Join Naturalist Ashley around the campfire for s’mores and stories. Feel free to bring your own campfire stories, or just relax and enjoy the show.
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Hike: School Pond
9 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead
Join Naturalist Penny on a moderate, 2-mile hike on School Pond Loop. Watch for signs of fall and animals as they transition and get ready for winter.
Thursday, Oct. 20
Hike: Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadows Trailhead
Migrating birds will be passing through to their overwintering grounds farther south. Come see and hear these and those that will overwinter at Mueller on an easy 1.5-mile walk. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.
Saturday, Oct. 22
Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku Walk
10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Meet on the Visitor Center Patio
Immerse in the beauty & wonder of nature through the relaxing practice of Forest Bathing/shinrin-yoku, gaining popularity worldwide. Enjoy unwinding with Nature Therapy guide Jane on this peaceful, 1 mile wander to awaken the senses & connect closely with a small area, closing with forest tea. Dress for changing weather. Bring water and small backpack for hands free. Minimum age 12.
Hike: Preacher’s Hollow
9 a.m. Meet at Preachers Hollow Trailhead
Join Naturalist Ashley on this moderate 2-mile hike, exploring the flora and fauna of Mueller and seeing the changes in the seasons.
Star Party
7 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Join the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to look through telescopes and learn all about stars, planets and much more. Bring a chair and blanket.
Tuesday, Oct. 25
Hike: Wapiti Nature Trail
9 a.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead
Learn about the unique characteristics of Mueller State Park and look for fall wildflowers, birds, and trees on this one-mile slow-paced loop led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.
Thursday, Oct. 27
Hike: Outlook Ridge
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Explore the forest on this moderate 2.5-mile loop hike. Keep an eye out for animals. Led by Naturalist Ashley.
Friday, Oct. 28
Tracking and Trailing
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Learn about animals and their tracks and play a game about tracking and trailing people. For ages 6 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.
Saturday, Oct. 29
Hike: Bacon Rock
9 a.m. Meet at Homestead Trailhead
Visit the interesting Bacon Rock formation and see how it got its name with Naturalist Ashley. Enjoy the beautiful valley as fall is in full effect on this 2-mile hike.
Monday, Oct. 31
Hike: Red Tail Overlook
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Michael on this 2-mile natural history hike to a beautiful overlook.
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.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.