Winter provides opportunities for recreation | Mueller report
When temperatures drop and winter snow flies, it’s common for activities at many Colorado parks to slow down. Not at Mueller State Park where the staff simply shifts gears to provide cold-weather fun.
Ask Mueller’s Kristine Velez, a backcountry resource technician, who came to work after a storm in early January left several inches of new snow. Snow days don’t mean slow days for her. She fired up her tracked Can-Am Defender, hooked an attachment to the back and took off down four popular hiking trails to transform them into groomed cross-country ski trails.
The sled she was pulling carved perfectly parallel ski trails in the fresh powder and laid down corduroy in the snow for those who prefer to snowshoe and carve their own tracks.
(The term “corduroy” refers to a pattern in the snow that makes a smoother and more even surface.)
The early morning trip around the park has become routine for Velez after snowstorms at Mueller. The staff works hard to provide new winter recreational opportunities at the park, 3½ miles south of Divide.
The park’s cross-country skiing trails are Conifer Ridge, Grouse Mountain, Black Bear and Homestead. Grab a trail map from the Visitor Center before heading to the trail to keep you on the right track.
Since Mueller started grooming trails, one of the most commonly asked questions we get this time of year is: “Are the ski trails ready yet?”
Don’t misunderstand. There’s no downhill skiing at Mueller. We leave that to the big resorts out there. At Mueller, we’re offering opportunities to cross-country or skate ski.
But that’s not all you can do in winter at Mueller. Visitors are able to snowshoe on any of the trails at the park.
Never snowshoed before? We have a volunteer naturalist who leads snowshoe hikes for novices. We have one coming up on Feb. 4 starting at 10:30 a.m. at Elk Meadow Trailhead.
If you need snowshoes, come early so you can borrow a pair and learn some of the basics. This hike will be about 5.5 miles and have an added educational element regarding avalanches.
If you don’t feel like you can make the entire 5.5 miles, you are welcome to turn around whenever you are done.
All trails are well marked and it will be easy for you to find your way back.
Helpful hint: if you’re finding that many of the trails are packed down with snow, try going to the side or edge of the trail. Many times there will be fluffier, thicker snow here.
And be sure to grab a trail map from the Visitor Center before heading to the trail to keep you on the right track. There are signs on the gates for each ski trail, pointing you in the right direction, and advising visitors on trail etiquette for skiers and snowshoers.
Another good idea is to check CPW’s COTREX App for the latest information on which trails are groomed. You can also call the Visitor Center at 719-687-2366.
Sledding is another popular pastime to enjoy at Mueller for kids of all ages, including the adults who still think of themselves as big kids.
Sledding is allowed on the park as long as it doesn’t interfere with park operations. We just ask that when choosing a location and what gear to bring, please keep safety in mind. Although there are no areas designated for sledding, popular locations include Preacher’s Hollow and Peak View hills.
The only exception is the hill at Elk Meadow Trailhead, which is closed to sledding due to safety precautions.
Another fun activity is building friendly snowpeople. You can explore your creative side with this less-strenuous snow activity. Please only use natural materials to ensure no non-compostable items are leftover when they melt. We enjoy seeing a variety of snow friends along the trails and trailheads.
Fat bikes are also allowed on the trails, including the groomed trails, as long as they are designated for bikes. You can find a designation legend for trails on our trail map either online or at the Visitor Center.
When recreating in the winter always remember to pack layers of clothing, snacks, water, and a trail map. Spikes are also useful this time of year if you plan to hike.
If you aren’t sure where to start or have questions, feel free to reach out to the Visitor Center at 719-687-2366. We hope to see you at the park enjoying the sun and snow.
Mueller events are free for any guest with a $10 day pass, a Keep Colorado Wild annual 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.
Anna Miller is the program coordinator at Mueller State Park. This is an occasional column from Colorado Parks and Wildlife about recreation opportunities at Mueller State Park.
Anna Miller
When the snow falls at Mueller State Park, the staff sets out to groom trails.
Mueller State Park’s winter trail map.
A groomer lays down corduroy, a pattern in the snow that makes a smoother and more even surface.
