Enjoy the solitude of Mueller State Park as winter sets in and get ready for sledding and snowshoeing that accompanies the coming snows
Bill Vogrin
Nov. 1, 2022
Ever tried a ‘forest-bathing walk’ in winter? What about ephemeral art? Get to Mueller in November!
By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator
DIVIDE, Colo. – Now that the aspen trees are bare, the elk are calming down and the campers have fled for warmer climes, Mueller State Park is a great place to visit to enjoy the solitude that comes with the onset of winter.
We have gentle hikes so you can enjoy the silence in the snowy woods, watch for signs of wildlife and learn their different tracks, and see the hardiest of birds searching for food in the trees.
In addition, we have scheduled one of our “forest bathing hikes” following the Japanese art.
Of course, hiking goes on year round and once the snow arrives, come out for snowshoeing, skiing and sledding. The park is open every day for outdoor activities and the Visitor Center is open every day from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving Day.
See you on the trails.
Saturday, Nov. 5
Forest Bathing and Ephemeral Art
10 a.m. -1 p.m.
Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Unplug and unwind into beauty on a Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku 1-mile walk with Nature Therapy Naturalist Jane.
Enjoy playing and creating ephemeral (nature) art with elements we find, ending with forest tea! Reconnect with yourself, others and the land through this mindful practice rooted in Japan. Dress for the weather, bring water, small backpack and sit pad or stool if desired.
Minimum age 12 suggested.
Hike: Rock Pond
9 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Join Volunteer Naturalist Rose 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.
Hike: Osborn Homestead
9 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Explore the Osborn Homestead and imagine what it was like to live off the land here in 1915. Moderate 3-mile hike led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose.
Saturday, Nov. 19
Hike: Elk Meadow
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Rose for a nice and easy 2-mile hike and enjoy the crisp air and quiet woods. Dress in layers and bring water.
Nature Crafts
2 p.m. In the Visitor Center
What can you create using pinecones, sticks and other items from nature? Let your imagination go wild and get crafty. Ages 3 and up. Led by Volunteer Rusty.
Thursday, Nov. 24
Thanksgiving Day
The Visitor Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day but the park remains open for recreation and camping. The Comfort Station is open for heated restrooms.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Hike: Outlook Ridge
9 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Descend into a valley to see Lost Pond and Geer Pond, then hike up to Outlook Ridge to see a great scenic view of the distant mountains. It’s a moderate 3-mile hike ed by Volunteer Naturalist Rose.
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.