DIVIDE, Colo. – The folks at Mueller State Park like to start each new year on the right foot. And the left foot. One after the other.

In other words, they like to hike the 44 miles of trails that crisscross the park’s 5,121 acres of meadows and forests. And it has become a New Years tradition at Mueller to host “First Day Hikes.”

These naturalist-led hikes take park guests into the peaceful silence of the snowy woods where they can watch for wildlife and spot wildlife tracks. You will also see the hardiest of birds searching for food in the trees. It’s great to explore Mueller with a naturalist during this beautiful time of year.

As every Colorado resident knows, it can be snowing or sunny or both in the winter, so it’s important to dress for snow and bring plenty of water and snacks for a hike in January.

To find out if there is enough snow to sled on, snowshoe across or ski through, check our website cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mueller. Or call ahead for snow conditions 719-687-2366.

Want a cool winter overnight experience? Try our campground or stay in one of our luxurious cabins.

Here is a complete list of January programs and activities at Mueller:

Monday, Jan. 1

Happy New Year! First Day Hikes

Four different hikes are offered for First Day Hikes at Mueller.

Hike: Elk Meadow
9:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Enjoy a favorite trail through forest and meadow on gentle hills. Watch for signs of wildlife and tracks with Volunteer Naturalist Rose on this two-mile hike.

Hike: Stoner Mill
10:30 a.m. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead
Enjoy nature in winter on a gentle two-mile hike through the woods with Volunteer Naturalist Nancy.

Hike: Outlook Ridge
11:30 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Outlook Ridge trail goes through the woods and out to three overlooks to view the valleys in the foreground and the Continental Divide in the distance with Volunteer Naturalist Craig.

Hike: Homestead Trail
1:30 p.m. Meet at Homestead Trailhead
Enjoy nature in winter on a gentle 2-mile hike through the woods with Volunteer Naturalist Penny.

Saturday, Jan. 6

Hike: Outlook Ridge to Lost Pond
9:15 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
This will be a short “mash-up” hike down Outlook Ridge to the first overlook, then continue over to Lost Pond then return on Revenuers Ridge back to the Outlook Ridge trailhead. This hike is a roundtrip of about 3.5 miles. Rating is moderate to difficult due to some steep hills. Be sure to be prepared for winter hiking. Bring lots of water. Dress in layers. Poles and spikes are very useful for these hikes. With Naturalist Nancy.

Sunday, Jan. 7

Hike: Stoner Mill Trail
1:30 p.m. Meet at Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead
Enjoy nature in winter on a gentle 2-mile hike through the woods with Volunteer Naturalist Penny.

Friday, Jan. 12

Hike: Elk Meadow to Murphy’s Cut
9:15 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Enjoy a favorite trail through forest and meadow on gentle hills.  Watch for signs of wildlife and tracks with Volunteer Naturalist Cindi. 4.8-mile hike. Dress for the weather and bring lots of water and snacks.

Sunday, Jan. 14

Hike: Elk Meadow
1:30 p.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Join Volunteer Naturalist Penny on this 2-mile hike as you take in a beautiful view of Pikes Peak in the winter.

Friday, Jan. 19

Hike: Rock Pond
9:15 a.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
One of our favorite trails year round is 5 miles long, features a 600-foot elevation change to Rock Pond and Canyon with Volunteer Naturalist Cindi.

Saturday, Jan. 27

Hike: Elk Meadow
9:15 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
We will hike down Elk Meadow out to the historic Murphy’s Cut where the Midland Railroad came through over 100 years ago. Then we go back to the Peak View trail to Peak View Pond then back up to the Elk Meadow trailhead. This hike will be about four miles roundtrip. Rating is moderate to difficult due to some steep hills. Be sure to be prepared for winter hiking.  Bring lots of water, dress in layers.  Poles and spikes are very useful for these hikes.

Mueller events are free with a valid $7 day pass, or $70 annual park pass per vehicle. For more information, call the park at 719-687-2366.

Mueller State Park is located just 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.

 

### CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 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.