10 Must-See Hiking Trails in Mueller State Park
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A Beginner's Guide to Hiking Mueller State Park
Colorado boasts four national parks, showing off with large populations of elk at Rocky Mountain National Park, desert like sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes Park, Mesa Verde’s ancient cave ruins and Black Canyon’s steepest and oldest rocks in North America.
Eleven Mile Canyon State Park
Looking to explore Colorado state parks? Mueller State Park is a must-visit destination for camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. With its convenient location just an hour from Colorado Springs, Mueller State Park offers breathtaking views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountain ranges. Discover Mueller State Park’s campground in a sweet forest of mixed spruce, fir, pine and aspen trees.
In addition to Mueller, Colorado boasts 42 state parks with diverse landscapes and activities, from birdwatching at Barr Lake State Park to fishing at Eleven Mile Canyon State Park. State Forest is the moose viewing capital of the state, while Rifle State Falls has Colorado’s only 80 foot triple waterfall.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Colorado state parks offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails, perfect for training and preparation for the more challenging hikes in the area. Castlewood Canyon is a great place to start for those looking to train for hiking in Colorado.
Whether you're interested in hiking, camping, fishing, or wildlife watching, Colorado state parks have something for everyone. Plan your trip today and experience the beauty and adventure of Colorado's great outdoors.
PRO TIP: Many of Colorado state parks have access to water. Bring your own SUP and skip the rental lines and time constraints. We believe ISLE inflatable paddle boards are the most versatile paddle boards you can travel and paddle anywhere with — so you can get on the lake when you want from sunup to sundown.
Mueller State Park has so many mountain view picture moments!
Barr Lake State Park is known for their premier bird watching. Eleven Mile Canyon is one of Colorado’s largest reservoirs, perfect for fishing expeditions. Rifle State Falls has Colorado’s only 80 foot triple waterfall in the state. State Forest is the moose viewing capital of the state, with over 600 moose to see at any time.
Smack dab in the middle of Colorado Springs and Denver lies Castlewood Canyon, the perfect place to train and prepare for hiking in Colorado.
Nine of Colorado’s 42 state parks are within a 90 minute drive of Denver and Colorado Springs.
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!
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! In 2023, 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: National Park Pass, Colorado State Park Pass, Colorado’s Best Snowshoe Trails Minutes from Colorado Springs
Fall in Mueller State Park is a magical globe of red, orange and yellow aspens.
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 - bikers and hikers
Hiking Mueller State Park requires trail sharing. Hikers have access to all trails within the park.
Horseback riding in Mueller State Park is allowed with 34 miles of trails designated for horseback riding. Bikers are allowed on 36 miles.
DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT MUELLER STATE PARK.
This is a well loved park by locals and tourists. It is rare to find yourself hiking solo on these Colorado hiking trails. However, knowing how to pack a backpacking for a hiking trip in Colorado should always include BEAR SPRAY.
Sharing the trail with bikers can sometimes feel downright frustrating. Most bikers alert you to their presence by ringing a bell or calling out. While technically bikers must give hikers the right away, it is always easier to step aside as the walker vs. making the biker come to a sudden halt.
PRO TIP! While many of the trails are low in elevation dips and gains, there are portions of each of the trails that might require the help of trekking poles. Erosion exposes roots along many of these sandy trails. We always have our trekking poles on our packs for those just in case moments.
Driving in Mueller State park
If time or mobility is an issue for you, the scenic roads at Mueller State Park are beautiful. You can drive through Mueller, oftentimes seeing herds of deer or wild turkeys on the side roads.
Take a minute to get out and stretch your legs at the Visitor Center. It’s about halfway up the main road on your left. They have a small but wonderful display of animals and plants in the park. Plus you have access to flushable toilets and sinks with running water.
Take advantage of the rangers and volunteers working at Mueller State Park. They give great trail recommendations, recent animal sightings and other curious facts about this Colorado state park.
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. Outdoorsy allows you to experience the magic of the outdoors with the best RV, camper van, and travel trailer rentals imaginable. RV Rentals make it easier to visit Colorado when you want, how you want, and where you want.
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Best side hustle yet! Rent your RV when you’re not using it. Folks are always looking for all kinds of RVs to rent, but especially Class B and Class C RVs.
Vacation homes in Outdoorsy Woodland Park
If the comforts of home outweigh camping under the stars, reserve a beautiful home near Mueller State Park. Over the past two decades living in Colorado, we’ve taken many fall weekends in Divide and Woodland Park.
Vacation homes are perfect for families, couples and solo hikers. While Mueller State Park is near a few small towns with restaurant options, having access to a kitchen to make meals is a budget friendly way to explore Colorado’s amazing parks and trails.
Hiking Mueller State Park on Short Trails *2 miles or under
Grouse Mountain Overlook Trail
Length 1.0 mi Elevation gain 180 ft Route type Out & back
*All season hike with views.
If views are your thing, this small but mighty 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.
CoHH 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
*Great summer hike that is 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.
CoHH 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
*Perfect all season trail. Awesome aspen views 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 great at Mueller State Park. Take them out on small hikes with great views like this trail.
Elk Meadow Loop
Length 2.2 mi Elevation gain 419 ft Route type Loop
*Great winter snowshoe hike. The PERFECT sledding hill is next to this trail.
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.
2-5 Mile Hikes in Mueller State Park
Cahill Pond Trail
Length 2.6 mi Elevation gain 413 ft Route type Loop Hikes
*Great fall hike with aspen groves.
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
*Beautiful winter hike but pretty fantastic in the fall as well.
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 evaluation 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.
5 Miles and Counting hiking Mueller State Park
Cheesman Ranch
Length 5.7 mi Elevation gain 698 ft Route type Loop
*All season trail. Stunning views in fall and well shaded for summer hiking.
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 Cheeseman 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
*All season trail. Bring 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.
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. Utima 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.
RELATED LINKS:
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
*An all season trail. Bring snowshoes or traction for winter hiking.
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 & back
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.
There are so many spur trails and fantastic views along Four Mile Overlook trail.
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.
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. As of July 1st, 2020, access to this area is restricted from hikers without a valid hunting or fishing permit.
Mueller State Park Trail Map
Image and trail map belongs to Mueller State Park.
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. 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.
Favorite CoHH Hops 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.
