Whether you observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or simply the winter solstice, Mueller State Park is a great place for quiet contemplation

Bill Vogrin
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927 / [email protected] Ever tried a ‘forest-bathing walk’ in winter? What about ephemeral art? Get to Mueller in December.

Nov. 28, 2022

Ever tried a ‘forest-bathing walk’ in winter? What about ephemeral art? Get to Mueller.

By Linda Groat
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator

DIVIDE, Colo. – December is a time of contemplation as the world pauses to celebrate major holidays. 

Whether you observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or simply the winter solstice, there is no better place for quiet contemplation than while hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in Mueller State Park. 

Each December, Mueller grows quiet as campers vanish and wildlife are more comfortable moving about the park. It’s a great time to visit and enjoy the peacefulness of the forests. 

And if there’s enough snow, you can get a little rowdy on our sledding hills.

The park is open every day for outdoor activities and the Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., except Christmas Day. We also invite you to celebrate the New Year on Jan. 1 by joining in on guided First Day Hikes.

We must offer a word of caution about our winter weather. Winter trail conditions in the mountains can be dry, snowy or icy. Snow tends to build up over time in the backcountry to deeper depths than seen along the park road. 

Visitors are encouraged to wear suitable footwear, warm with traction or snowshoes depending on conditions. Dress warm in layers you can adjust along your hike. Bring water and snacks to replace the extra energy it takes hiking in winter. Take a map. Play safe.

Here is a list of the programs offered this month.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Hike: If Bigfoot can do it, so can you
10 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Discover how Bigfoot remains undetected by following the principles of “Leave No Trace.” Join Volunteer Naturalist Hannah on this 2-mile out and back hike along Outlook Ridge. Dress for conditions and bring water and a snack.

Holiday Crafts
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Get your holiday craft on. Make a holiday decoration or ornament to take home with items from nature. The ideas are endless. Fun for all ages. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rusty.

Sunday, Dec. 11

Hike: Elk Meadow
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Enjoy the wide-open spaces along Elk Meadow Trail as winter paints the landscape. Rolling hills and some deep forest on this 2-mile trail led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose. Dress in layers and bring water.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Hike: Wapiti Nature Trail
9 a.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead
Learn about the unique characteristics of Mueller State Park. Identify birds, trees, and learn some general natural history on this 1-mile loop. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael. 

Saturday, Dec. 17

Hike: Holiday Hike
10 a.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Wear your best ugly sweater and celebrate the magic of Mueller during the holidays.  Join Volunteer Naturalist Hannah on this 2-mile loop on Homestead and Black Bear trails. Dress for conditions and bring water and a snack.

Sunday, Dec. 18

Hike: School Pond
9 a.m.  Meet at School Pond Trailhead
Enjoy this quiet trail where usually just the deer and elk roam along with all the other wildlife.  This is a 2-mile hike through gentle hills and beautiful scenery led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose.  Dress warm.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

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.  Dress warm.

Sunday, Dec. 25

Christmas Day Bird Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Come see and hear the birds of Mueller overwintering in the area. Learn the trees and some natural history along the way on a 1.5-mile, slow-paced walk led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael. Dress for conditions and bring water. 

Have a Merry Christmas.

This Visitor center is closed today but the park is open for your enjoyment.

Sunday, Jan. 1

First Day Hikes
Join the tradition in Colorado State Parks by going on a First Day Hike. Start the New Year off with some fresh air, beautiful scenery and fellow hikers. The Visitor Center will be open today.

Hike: Elk Meadow First Day Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Soak in the beauty of Pikes Peak as you hike in full view of this gorgeous mountain. Elk Meadow is 2-miles of rolling hills and deep forest led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose. Be prepared for the weather by dressing warm and in layers. Bring water and a snack.

Hike: Wapiti First Day Hike
10 a.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead
Enjoy a natural history hike with Volunteer Naturalist Michael on this 1-mile trail. Explore Mueller in its beauty and diversity of plants and animals.

First Day Forest Bathing Walk
Noon-2:30 p.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Let nature welcome you into the New Year on the 4th Annual First Day Forest Bathing Walk. Enjoy immersing in the wonder and healing nature offers through this mindful practice gaining popularity worldwide. Join Forest Therapy Guide and Naturalist Jane on a 1-mile walk with activities to de-stress, quiet the mind, open the senses and closely with the forest, yourself and others, closing with tea brewed from local plants. Bring a sitting pad/stool, water and dress for changing weather (snow boots, waterproof pants suggested). Ages 12 and up. Maximum group size 14. Must pre-register by calling the Visitors Center, 719-687-2366 ext. 0. Will reschedule if below 28 degrees.

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.