Mueller State Park Hikes Near Colorado Springs for Every Season
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We’ve hiked Mueller State Park for over 20 years. These are our 10 favorite trails near Colorado Springs, from easy family loops to all day climbs, with fall color and camping tips.
Mueller State Park: 10 Best Hikes for Every Season Near Colorado Springs
Mueller State Park is one of our favorite placews to hike near Colorado Springs, and it’s only about an hour from town.
Tucked above the mountain town of Divide, this park spreads across 5,121 acres with 55 miles of trails, Pikes Peak views, and some of the best fall aspen color in the state.
I’m Melody, and I’ve lived in Colorado for almost 30 years. Mueller is one of the parks my family has come back to every season, from the years my kids were little to now. Between the two of us running this site, we’ve hiked these trails in every kind of weather, so the tips below come from a lot of real days on the ground.
Below are our 10 favorite hikes at Mueller, sorted by distance so you can pick the right one for your day.
We’ve included trailhead directions, the best season for each trail, and a few honest tips we’ve learned the hard way. Stick around to the end for where to grab a donut or burger on your way home.
Mueller State Park Quick Answers
Mueller State Park has so many mountain view picture moments!
Are Dogs Allowed at Mueller State Park?
Yes, but only in developed areas like the campground, picnic areas, and paved roads. Dogs are strictly prohibited on all hiking trails and in the backcountry, so if you are coming to hike, plan to leave your pup at home.
How much does it cost to visit Mueller State Park
Entry is $10 per vehicle per day, or $80 for an annual Colorado State Parks Pass that covers all 42 parks. Colorado residents can add the $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass to their vehicle registration. In the off season, there is a cash only registration box at the entrance gatehouse.
How far is Mueller State Park from Colorado Springs?
About 45 minutes to an hour. Take US 24 west for 25 miles through Woodland Park to Divide, then turn south on Highway 67 for 3.5 miles to the entrance.
When do the fall colors peak at Mueller?
The aspens usually turn gold from mid September into early October. Mueller is one of our favorite leaf peeping spots near Colorado Springs, and the crowds stay lighter than the bigger parks.
What are the easiest hikes at Mueller State Park?
Grouse Mountain Overlook at 1 mile and Overlook Ridge at 1.5 miles are the best easy trails, both with big mountain views and good for families or anyone adjusting to the altitude.
Do you need reservations to camp at Mueller?
Yes, reservations are required for all 134 campsites. Nightly fees run from 28 to 36 dollars, and three cabins are also available to rent. Sites book up fast, so check back often for cancellations.
Table of Contents
FAQ: Mueller State Park Quick Answers
Mueller STate Park Info: Location, FEes and Dogs
What to Wear Hiking Mueller in Fall
Mueller State Park Trail Map
Best Short Hikes Around 2 Miles
Best Hikes 2 to 5 Miles
Best Hikes 5 MIles and Up
State vs National Park 101
Camping At Mueller STate Park
Colorado State Parks vs. National Parks
Where to Eat nearby
Fall in Mueller State Park is a magical globe of red, orange and yellow aspens.
Hiking Mueller State Park
Within an hour of Colorado Springs, hiking Mueller State Park trails, seeing wildlife and taking in impressive views of Pikes Peak and surrounding mountain ranges is an easy day trip. This park is open year round, providing adventure and fun in every season.
Hosting some of the best snowshoe hikes near Colorado Springs in the winter and aspen leaf peeping in the fall, this park stands out in outdoor adventures.
If hiking in Colorado is new to you, brush up on some beginners hiking tips. Elevation headaches, shortness of breath and heaviness in your legs are common altitude sickness symptoms.
While we can’t guarantee 100% freedom from these symptoms, taking a few precautionary steps can make a big difference.
Knowing what to pack for a day hike in Colorado includes a few simple items. Water, electrolyte powder, snacks, layers (even in summer months, the air can get cold quickly), sunscreen and personal safety items (whistle and bear spray) should be packed in your daypack.
Stash all these things in a comfortable daypack. We love the Osprey Daylite daypacks. Lightweight and adjustable for all body sizes, a good daypack takes the weight off the shoulders and into your hips!
What You Need to Know about Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park is in Teller County, about 4 miles from the city of Divide, Colorado. Comprised of 5,121 acres of land and 55 miles of some of the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs, Mueller has stunning mountain vista overlooks, a large pond for picnic lunches, and camping.
It is also boasts one of the best sledding hills in the area.
Mueller State Park is one of the best places to hike and snowshoe near Woodland Park. Originally a popular hunting ground for the Ute Indians, homesteaders settled in this area in the 1860s because of how close it was to gold mining and fertile farmlands.
Divided into various ranches for decades, settlers built cabins on this land. By the 1980s, the Mueller family had purchased 10 of the ranches, making a choice to donate the land for a wilderness preserve.
We have them to thank for this stunning piece of Colorado history and property.
directions to Mueller State Park
Take U.S. 24 west (Cimarron) from Colorado Springs for 25 miles through Woodland Park to the town of Divide. Turn left onto Highway 67 South for 3.5 miles.
fees and COLORADO STATE PARK pass
The fees for Colorado state parks are valid for a 12-month period when you purchase a Colorado State Park Pass. Each pass provides unlimited access to all 42 Colorado State Parks during that time. $80/vehicle or $10/day/vehicle
COLORADO STATE PARK PASS *$29 added to each car registration unless you decline
*On off season, there is a registration box at Mueller State Park entry gatehouse. Cash only.
Trail Sharing at Mueller: Hikers, Horses, and Bikers
Hiking Mueller State Park means sharing the trails, so it helps to know the setup before you go. Hikers have access to every trail in the park. Horseback riding is allowed on 34 miles of trail, and bikers can ride 36 miles, so you will likely cross paths with both.
This is a well loved park by locals and tourists alike, and it is rare to have a trail completely to yourself. It is beautiful backcountry, though, so pack like it. Along with your water and layers, always bring bear spray on Colorado trails.
HORSES: When you meet horses on the trail, step to the downhill side and let them pass. And keep an eye out for what they leave behind, since the shared trails can get a little messy.
BIKERS: Sharing the trail with bikers can feel frustrating at times, but most will alert you with a bell or a friendly call out. Technically bikers must yield to hikers, but it is usually easier to step aside as the walker than to make a biker come to a sudden stop.
PRO TIP! Many of these trails are gentle on elevation, but nearly all of them have short sections where trekking poles come in handy. Erosion exposes roots along the sandy trails, so we always keep our trekking poles strapped to our packs for those just in case moments.
What to Wear Hiking Mueller State Park in Fall
Fall hiking in Mueller State Park is an explosion of golden aspens.
Dressing for a Colorado hike is a year-round puzzle, but fall at Mueller State Park is when it gets both trickiest and most rewarding because those golden aspens come with wildly swinging temperatures.
A trail can start at 40 degrees in the shade and climb into the 70s once the sun clears the aspens, so layers are everything.
On a typical fall hike I start in a long sleeve and a light fleece, stash a puffy vest in my pack, and always tuck in gloves and a beanie for the overlooks where the wind picks up.
Good wool socks and trail shoes with grip round it out, since the sandy trails here get slick with fallen leaves.
If you want our full fall layering system, from base layers to the jacket we never hike without, it’s all put it all in our guide below on what to wear hiking in fall.
It will help you pack right for those gorgeous, unpredictable Mueller aspen days.
Mueller State Park Trail Map
Image and trail map belongs to Mueller State Park.
Easy Mueller State Park Hikes Around 2 Miles
Grouse Mountain Overlook Trail
Length: 1.0 mi | Elevation gain: 180 ft | Route type: Out & Back | Best Season: All year
Grouse Mountain trail map
If views are your thing, this short trail should be number one on your list. Your end of hike reward is an amazing overlook taking in rows of Colorado mountain ranges.
This quick hike is steep and little rocky in places, round trip around 30 minutes if you have kids or slow hikers in your group.
You’ll see a lot of families on this hike which always brings smiles to our faces. While the hike is not aspen tree dense, there are plenty of these Colorado native trees along the trail.
Make sure to keep going at the trail sign. The overlook is just a little bit further. This is a great beginners hiking trail. It’s also a great one to adjust to altitude if you are coming from sea level.
Melody’s family makes this hike a must every year to see the fall leaves in Colorado. An easy hike for little or big legs, this area is perfect for a post work afternoon hike.
PRO TIP! Sunrise would be perfect at this spot. Camp overnight or get up early and head to the trailhead.
Trailhead Directions: Follow the main road into the park. Continue past the visitor center, winding your way to the end of the road. You’ll come to the trailhead and parking lot.
Preachers Hollow
Length: 2.1 mi | Elevation gain: 462 ft | Route type: Loop | Best Season: Summer, well shaded
Before you head out, remind yourself and hiking members that what goes down must go up. You’ll head downhill for the first mile, making the second mile a serious uphill trek.
There is good shade throughout the majority of the hike. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained. Beware of horse droppings as this is a shared trail with those big beasts.
PRO TIP! Stay on the wide path that looks like a narrow road until you get to the steps. Trail is easy to follow from there.
Trailhead Directions: Park at the visitor center. You’ll start on the Wapiti Nature Trail, connecting to Preachers Hollow trail.
Overlook Ridge Trail
Length: 1.5 mi | Elevation gain: 291 ft | Route type: Out & back | Best Season: All year, best in fall
Hiking Mueller State Park has never been easier with the Overlook Ridge Trail. Along the way enjoy great views of Pikes Peak and nearby mountains. The trailhead has vault toilets and picnic tables. This mostly shaded path offers gradual hills, great for families. The rock cropping, Raven Ridge Overlook, has some of the best views in the park.
PRO TIP! Find a spot for an annual photo, coming back every year for those fun family photos.
Trailhead Directions: Drive past the Visitor Center. You’ll see picnic tables and a parking area on the left. This is your starting and finishing point.
RELATED LINK: Family hiking in Colorado is a wonderful way to get outdoors and explore.
Elk Meadow Loop
Length: 2.2 mi | Elevation gain: 419 ft | Route type: Loop | Best Season: Winter, sledding and snowshoes
Short and sweet, this trail’s biggest winter attraction is its sledding hill. Bring your sled and head counter clockwise. You’ll head down a big hill.
Winter hiking and sledding can be all over the place. Colorado boasts some amazing sun and warm temps in January which makes layers key.
Our favorite top layer, the Patagonia fleece keeps you warm without a lot of bulk. Add a pair of wool liners, thick leggings and gaiters for the perfect winter outdoor adventure day.
Trailhead Directions: You can catch this trail a few ways. Continue on the main road past the Visitor Center. There is a road to the right just before Comfort Station. Park and head east to catch the loop trail.
Option two is continuing to the end of the park paved road, parking at the trailhead. Head east on a Cheesman Ranch Trail to connect to Elk Meadow.
NOTE! If you do this hike in the summer, head the opposite direction for less quad burning at the end of your hike.
Moderate Hikes 2 to 5 Miles at Mueller State Park
Cahill Pond Trail
Length: 2.6 mi | Elevation gain: | 413 ft | Route type: Loop Hikes | Best Season: Fall for the aspens
Colorado State Parks hiking is perfect on the Cahill Pond Trail. This easy hiking trail is decked out in fall. Yellow aspens making it the perfect fall leaf peeping hike.
For a quick out and back, turn around at the pond. The last .25 miles is pretty steep, making the trail more moderate level for beginning hikers.
If you’d like to add more miles, check out the option below:
Combine Grouse Mountain Overlook with the Cahill Pond Loop Trail. Start on the Grouse Overlook. On the way down, finish with the Cahill Ponds Loop (heading clockwise) for a combined 3.4 miles.
DOWNSIDE TO THIS TRAIL: There is a lot of loose gravel on the back half of the loop. Consider bringing hiking poles for stability.
Trailhead Directions: Take park paved road to the end, passing the visitor center. At the parking lot, hike east (right) on the trail marked Cahill Pond.
Raven Ridge, Red Tail and Lone Eagle Overlook Loop
Length: 4.3 mi | Elevation gain: 800 ft | Route type: Loop | Best Season: winter, great in fall too
This Mueller State Park trail makes the best winter hike! In our opinion, the only downside is a small section of the trail shared with horses so you have to dodge a few piles here and there.
Begin your hike counter clockwise. You’ll love the overlooks. The second overlook goes down into the canyon creating breathtaking views. This is a beautiful forest hike.
PRO TIP! The elevation is deceptive. There are several steep but short climbs followed by some longer stretches. The trail has a lot to offer in a short distance.
With gravel and dirt, hiking shoes work great for this trail. We are big fans of trail running shoes. They combine the best of both worlds, comfortable fit with grippy soles yet light enough to keep you moving.
If hiking in runners has been your jam, consider trying out a pair of trail runners. Not sure where to even start? We’ve done the hard work for you in our hiking boots vs. trail running shoes review.
Trailhead Directions: Park at the Visitor Center, choosing to head left (west) down the hill.
Long Hikes 5 Miles and Up at Mueller State Park
Cheesman Ranch
Length: 5.7 mi | Elevation gain: 698 ft | Route type: Loop | Best Season: all year, shaded in summer
Start this trail heading east. This wide trail allows two people to walk side by side. You’ll hike downhill with beautiful meadows showing off Pikes Peak and mountain ranges in the distance.
The second half of the hike is shaded with pines and aspens. Fall on this trail is simply breathtaking, with gold aspens aflame.
This part can be a little difficult for less conditioned hikers since it’s mostly uphill. Go slow. Take breaks and admire the views. It’s 100% worth the effort.
NOTE! The middle portion runs parallel with Hwy 67. You’ll reach Cheesman Ranch at the midway point. This part of the hike is a bit mundane. However, the views on both ends of the hike make the middle section worth it.
If you head counterclockwise, you’ll have a more gradual uphill return. For kids and tentative distance hikers, take the clockwise route. There are many signs this way, giving you clear directions if you want to head back before completing the loop.
PRO TIP! In the summer, start out early and go clockwise. You’ll have the best chances for shade throughout most of the hike.
Trailhead Directions: Take paved park road to the end, parking at the Grouse Mountain Overlook trailhead. You’ll pass by the camping grounds on either side. This trail is well marked.
Rock Canyon and Homestead Loop
Length: 5.7 mi | Elevation gain: 902 ft | Route type: Loop | Best Season: all year, snowshoes in winter
Park at the visitor center and take trail #5, hiking clockwise. It’s an easy slope and relatively wide path down to the pond.
Hike downhill for the entire first half of the trail. Once you pass the mini-cave/waterfall, there is a steep uphill grade. Transition to a single track hike back up to the parking lot on trail #26.
NOTE! In the summer, clockwise hiking will give you more sun in the second half of the trek.
This hike offers a little bit of everything. Wide paths, narrow trails, gentle elevation changes, thick forested trees, open meadows, rock formations and ponds.
A moderate hike due to a few steep sections, this is a great tween and teen friendly trail. The footing is solid, not risky, but it is steep in one ravine.
Aspen leaves blanket this hiking trail in Mueller State Park.
As it’s a longer loop hike, many shy away from this trail so you’ll see less people. Because there are less crowds, this trail has more wildlife spotting opportunities including beavers and elk.
In the fall, there are portions of this hike that have groves of aspens which make for stunning gold leaf peeping.
Trailhead Directions: From the visitor center parking lot, take the Rock Pond Trail headed clockwise. Rock Pond trail becomes Rock Canyon and eventually Beaver Pond. While it has a variety of names, it’s basically the same trail.
PRO TIP! Hiking with kids can be a lesson in patience and holding your tongue. As moms of teens who’ve had kids on the trails for years, we’ve learned a few things. Let the kids pack their favorite snacks. Gummy bears are a hit around here.
Each kid gets their own backpack with a hydration bladder. Easy access to snacks and water keeps the complaining to a minimum.
We also carry flavored electrolyte powder. Drinking water, often warm, is challenging for all hikers. Kids really balk at hydrating. Ultima electrolyte powder comes in several flavors, naturally sweetened, vegan and gluten free.
Of course the best part is a fun post hike reward. Ice cream, donuts or fancy coffee drinks work great.
Happy kids hanging at Rock Pond for a lunch break!
Rock Pond to Werley Ranch Loop
Length: 8.4 mi | Elevation gain: 1,456 ft | Route type: Loop | Best Season: All year, traction in winter
This hike starts downhill. Prepare your lungs and quads for your uphill trek at the end.
We love AllTrails. However, this is one hike that if you follow the downloaded map GPS exactly, you will end up going off trail.
Instead, follow the dirt road and you won’t be led astray.
This trail is a lollipop hike. When you came to the loop, take the left fork. Keep going until you reach the far west end of the trail. The trail shows it’s to the right of the creek, but if you go that way it is impassable. Stay to the left of the creek, which is marked in blue on the AllTrails map. It will look like you are off trail, but you are not!
Follow the dirt road which is to the LEFT of the creek. Rock Pond will appear you just might run into geese and a beaver lodge. Keep an eye out for felled trees by beavers as you continue down the trail.
Trailhead Directions
You’ll begin at the Visitor Center, taking the Rock Pond trail. Just past Rock Pond you’ll veer left, following Hay Creek. Make sure to download this map to follow creek. Connect to Four Mile Overlook once completing the loop, taking you back to the visitor center.
Four Mile Overlook
Length: 8.2 mi | Elevation gain: 1,761 ft | Route type: Out and Back | Best Season: Late spring through fall
This hike is a solid leg workout. Save some energy and water for the trip back. You’ll be trekking up some lengthy inclines. Most of the trail is a narrow dirt road with some gravel. Hiking shoes or trail runners are best.
Start at the Visitor Center. You’ll head right of the Wapiti Nature trail sign. Stay on trail #5 until you reach trail #44 going up to Dome Rock State wildlife area. On trail #44, you’ll go through a gate that says “Leaving Mueller State Park, Entering Dome Rock State Wildlife Area”.
Continue following signs for Four Mile Overlook trail. You might see some dead trees across a trail indicating that is not the way to go.
From that point, there are well marked signs at every intersection.
There are so many spur trails and fantastic views along Four Mile Overlook trail.
From the parking lot, we clocked 9.2 miles. This tends to be a more isolated trail with less crowds and more solitary hikers. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to work your legs with constant up and down hills.
There are two locations where the trail splits. Both points do not have markings so downloading and following your map is key.
PRO TIP! Make sure you venture up the boulders at the lookout. You will not want to miss these views!
Trailhead Directions: Start at the Visitor Center, taking Rock Pond Trail and connecting to Four MIle Overlook Trail.
NOTE: This trail enters the Dome Rock State Wildlife Area. Access to this area is restricted from hikers without a valid hunting or fishing permit.
Mueller State Park in the fall is a photographer’s dream!
Colorado State Parks vs. US National Parks
While both state and national parks are public land, national parks are managed by the federal government. State parks are run by individual state government.
If you are a US taxpayer, you have directly invested in a national park and are entitled to use of that land. Ditto for state parks.
However, here’s where things take a turn.
For state parks, you have to be a resident of that state to have an opinion that counts, literally. Here’s the skinny…Coloradans love tourists. We really do. But our visitors cannot change any of our state park rules or management of the parks.
National park land can never be sold. It is preserved forever. But if a state gets in a budget crunch, they can sell their state park land for that budget deficit. That’s a big bummer.
COLORADO STATE PARK PASS NOTE! Colorado residents have a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass added to their annual vehicle registration through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The $29 pass fee is included automatically unless you choose to opt out.
RELATED LINKS: Colorado’s Best Snowshoe Trails Minutes from Colorado Springs
Camping in Colorado Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park lodging and camping
Camping in Colorado State Parks is allowed. Mueller State Park is no exception. With the park’s close proximity to Colorado Springs, this is a very popular destination for campers.
This is a bigger campground, with 134 campsites each with picnic table and fire ring. Mueller’s campground is home to 99 electric sites - many with tent pads, as well as 22 basic walk-in sites. Sites 12 and 22 are handicapped accessible.
Reservations are required for all campsites. Fees vary from $28-$36/night. Showers and laundry are available in the summer for a small charge.
There are three cabins available for rent, holding between 4-8 people.
PRO TIP! Check back frequently for cancelled reservations. Many book campsites in early January only to find they can no longer camp closer to the reserved date.
If you love camping in Colorado, these 12 scenic campgrounds in Colorado are favorites of ours!
Recreational Vehicles in Mueller State Park
Open year round, many visit Mueller State Park in the fall. Staying in an Recreational Vehicle gives you temperature control, important on Colorado’s cold evenings.
If you’re not into camping but still love the freedom of roaming the outdoors, consider renting an RV or camper van.
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11 Mile Canyon
More Colorado State Parks to Explore
Once Mueller has your heart, there are plenty more parks worth a road trip.
Colorado has 42 state parks, and nine of them sit within a 90 minute drive of Denver and Colorado Springs. Barr Lake is known for premier bird watching,
Eleven Mile Canyon is one of the state's largest reservoirs and a favorite for fishing, and State Forest is the moose viewing capital of Colorado with hundreds roaming at any time.
If you want a waterfall, Rifle Falls State Park has the only 80 foot triple falls in the state.
Halfway between Colorado Springs and Denver, Castlewood Canyon is a great place to train and build your legs for bigger Colorado hikes.
And if you're chasing national parks too, Colorado has four of them, from the elk herds at Rocky Mountain to the sand dunes down south.
Troll Hike Alert!
About 30 minutes beyond Mueller State Park lies Victor, Colorado. Rita the Rock Planter is Colorado’s newest behemoth troll to find.
RIta, Victor’s Famous Troll
Plan on an extra hour to journey to Rita’s home for some fantastic troll photos and breathtaking mountain views!
Coming from Colorado Springs, follow CO-67S towards Cripple Creek. About five minutes beyond Cripple Creek, a sharp right turn onto CO Rd 87, a wide dirt road.
Many choose to park at the foot of the hill, just off the paved road, and embark on a leisurely hike upwards. This will add incline and about 3/4 mile to an otherwise easy hike.
Where to Eat Nearby
Donut Mill
310 W Midland Ave, Woodland Park, CO 80863
Doughnut or Donut? No matter how you spell it, the Donut Mill is worth the stop and the calories.
Since 1983, they have been serving gigantic bear claws, 10 inch cinnamon rolls as well as cake and raised donuts.
If you’re driving by in the hot summer months, stop on by for a scoop or three of famous Blue Bell ice cream.
Russ’ Place
52 Co Rd 5, Divide, CO 80814. 719-687-5599
We often hit Russ’ around day 3 of camping. A true local hangout, you’ll fit right in with the town residents if you order a brew and burger.
Try the Impossible burger option for the non meat eater. Their french fries are on point as well as beer selection and mixed adult drinks.
Russ’ has a fun vibe with friendly service.
Cafe Leo
320 W Midland Ave, Woodland Park, CO 80863
Cafe Leo boasts local bakery items including many indulgent gluten free pastries.
Hot mocha or a divine oat milk latte anyone? No matter the milk choice, Cafe Leo has it all.
Plan on stopping to rest your feet, taking in the comforting atmosphere with high ceilings, beautiful decor and plentiful food choices.
We are all about the kouign-amann, famed French pastry made with layers of pastry and butter. Yum!
Joanie’s Deli and Bakery
110 E Midland Ave, Woodland Park, CO 80863
We often stop here after a hike for brunch or a sandwich. Their portions are ginormous, perfect for that post hike empty stomach!
Try the overstuffed breakfast burrito - you won’t be disappointed.
Their famous apple walnut salad has wonderful combinations of greens, apples, brie and caramelized walnuts.
Options for gluten free and vegetarians available.
Mueller State Park is one of those places we never get tired of, no matter the season. Whether you come for the easy family trails, the long climbs, the fall aspens, or a quiet snowshoe in winter, there is a hike here for you.
Once you have explored Mueller, keep the adventure going with our favorite snowshoe hikes near Colorado Springs and the best Colorado fall hikes and drives.
