Editor’s Note: This is a regular monthly column from Colorado Parks and Wildlife about recreation opportunities at Mueller State Park.

This month is a great time to explore the trails with the people you care about.
Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, so we wanted to offer a couple of experiences to make the day special.

Bring a friend, partner, family member or simply your love of nature to a Valentine Hike on Sat., Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. Meet at the Wapiti Trailhead to start this slow paced 0.8 mile hike. Make stops along the way to reflect on the things and people you appreciate in your life.

In the afternoon join the guided snowshoe hike at Preacher’s Hollow Trailhead at 1 p.m. Snowshoe along the School Pond Trail which is just under two miles. Bring your own snowshoes if you have them. Adult snowshoes will be available to borrow on a first come, first serve basis.

Other days throughout the month there will be multiple opportunities to hike and learn.

When snow is on the ground it is easier to see animal tracks. Two programs this month will focus on identifying tracks and other signs left by wild animals.

On Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. there will be a class on this topic for all ages. Review what different animal tracks look like inside the Visitor Center. Then head out onto the trails to search for tracks in the park to try out your new knowledge.

On Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. there will be a kid focused class on animal tracks. The class will be held in the Visitor Center and includes a fun game to get the kids excited.

Higher than average temperatures continue during the day and below freezing temps at night. Unfortunately, this means that currently conditions for winter activities like skiing, sledding and snowshoeing are not ideal. We hope to get more snow this month. To stay in the loop regarding our groomed trails follow Mueller State Park on Facebook.

For the best hiking experience bring sturdy shoes along with your spikes and trekking poles if you have them. These tools help you keep your balance on packed snow and ice.

More programs are scheduled this month, be sure to check out our full event calendar online at https://cpw.state.co.us/events. Use the ‘filter by park’ box to find Mueller events.

The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For current conditions call the Visitor Center at 719-687-2366.

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Here is the full list of February programs at the park:

Sat, Feb. 7

Guided Nature Hike

9:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead

Take in some fresh air and great views on this roughly 2.5 mile loop. The hike will include going to Raven Ridge Overlook if the weather is nice. Bring layers, water, and sturdy footwear. Spikes may be helpful. Led by volunteer naturalist, Rose.

Sun, Feb. 8

Animal Tracks & Scat

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet at Visitor Center

Learn about different signs animals leave on the trail. Identify different tracks and scat of common animals seen in Mueller State Park. If the weather is nice we will search for signs on the trails. Good for kids and adults.

Fri, Feb. 13

Basic Survival for Kids

2-3 p.m. Meet at Visitor Center

How do you prepare for a hike? What should you pack? What do you do if you get lost? Learn survival skills everyone can use. This program is geared towards kids and their guardians, but all are welcome. Ages 5 and up.

Sat, Feb. 14

Valentine Hike

10-11:30 a.m. Meet at Wapiti Trailhead

Hike 0.8 mile along Wapiti Trail to connect with your love of nature. Create short love notes along the journey. Be sure to wear layers and good shoes for possibly walking in the snow. Good for all ages.

Snowshoe Hike

1-3 p.m. Meet at Preachers Hollow Trailhead

Enjoy winter with this less than 2 mile snowshoe hike. Bring your own snowshoes and poles if you have them. If not, extra adult snowshoes will be available on a first come basis. You can also rent adult and child snowshoes at the GearLab in Woodland Park. Led by volunteer naturalist, Penny.

Fri, Feb. 20

Tracking and Trailing

2-3 p.m. Meet at Visitor Center

Learn about animals at Mueller. How do you know they’ve been there? Play an animal game. Best for ages 5 and older.

Sat, Feb. 28

Junior Rangers in the Forest

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet in front of the Visitor Center

Explore the park’s wilderness as you learn about the plants and animals that live in Mueller. Complete the class and earn your Mueller Jr. Ranger badge. Best for ages 6+. The Adventure Cub booklets will be available for younger kids. Guardians should attend with their kids.