Linda Groat, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Coordinator
Celebrate the heritage of Mueller State Park from its time as a home to Native American residents through its ranching history until it became one of Colorado’s state parks at the annual “Western Heritage Day” on Aug. 26.
The day-long festival will feature pioneer crafts and skills like spinning, weaving, quilting and cooking over a fire. See farm animals and get a free pony ride for kids. Try panning for gold and “steer” roping.
Kids get a free pony ride. They can join in the Kid’s Stick Horse Rodeo. Or they can take a hay ride to the historic Cheesman Ranch.
The festival is one of a wide variety of programs for all ages offered to visitors at Mueller in August.
Guided hikes will take guests to historic sites and scenic spots. Evening programs include a stargazing party, talks on the history of the Pikes Peak Region and wildlife education programs. Hands-on kids’ programs get children interacting with nature and adults like it too.
In the “History of the Pikes Peak Region” program series every Thursday night, the focus this month will be on “Influential Women of Colorado,” early explorers, the fur trade, ghost towns and how Colorado became a state.
Debbie Barnes, a local bird expert, will present a program on raptors, birds of prey and how to identify them. Other evening programs will focus on bats, wildfire ecology, mining in Colorado and S’mores and Spooky Stories.
Daytime program fun includes archery, fly fishing, pond safari, animal tracks and a sketching hike.
Here are some of the remaining highlights for the remainder of the month.
of wildflowers. Great for kids.
Thursday, Aug. 17
Sketch Hike
8:30 a.m. Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead
Join Volunteer Eileen and on a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike along Outlook Ridge and stop for an outdoor sketching session. No experience necessary for sketching and supplies will be provided.
Geer Pond Hike
3:30 p.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
See Lost Pond and Geer Pond on this 3.25-mile hike into the backcountry. Our biggest pond is home to cutthroat trout, birds of all kinds and wildflowers throughout the summer. Led by Naturalist Jack.
Fur Trade in Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Beginning in 1820, the trade in Beaver Fur was the industry of Colorado for over 30 years and led to the exploration and development of Colorado. This first industry of the Pikes Peak region led to the future development of the west. Presented by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.
Friday, Aug. 18
Colorado Mining
3 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Join Naturalist Jack and explore the history of mining in Colorado. We’ll cover the early mining days, the gold rush, and how mining shaped the state’s economy and culture. Hands on for kids.
All About Bats
8 p.m. Meet at the Amphitheater
Though commonly misunderstood, bats play a valuable role in ecosystems across Colorado. Join Naturalists Abby and Jack to learn all about bats.
Saturday, Aug. 19
Bird Walk
8:30 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadows Trailhead
Migrating birds have arrived and many have remained to breed and raise young. Come see and hear the summer birds as they are busy caring for their young and preparing to fledge on a 1.5-mile, slow-paced walk led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael with special guest Joe Lefleur (regional bird expert).
Forest Bathing/Shinrin-Yoku Walk
9:30 a.m. Meet outside Visitor Center
Unwind and immerse your senses in nature’s beauty and wonder. Enjoy creating ephemeral (temporary) art with elements we find (and leave) on this mindful 1-mile wellness wander with Nature Therapy Guide Jane. We close with a forest tea. Bring water and rain gear. Ages 12+ recommended.
Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn the basics of fly fishing with Volunteer Craig. Guests 8 years and up welcome. Equipment provided.
Osborn Loop Hike
3 p.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Check out this 3.3-mile loop trail with Naturalist Jack. Imagine what it was like to scratch out a living at this homestead 100+ years ago.
Birds of Prey
8 p.m. At the Amphitheater
Join raptor expert Debbie Barnes for an evening all about the many birds of prey found in Colorado. Learn to identify those confusing and majestic birds.
Sunday, Aug. 20
Peak View Pond Micro-Hike
10 a.m. Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead
Take a slow, 2-mile round trip walk to Peak View Pond, observing smaller elements in the landscape and ecology. Led by Naturalist Abby and great for kids.
Wednesday, Aug. 23
School Pond Loop Hike
9 a.m. Meet at School Pond Trailhead
Join Naturalist Abby on this 1.61-mile loop to School Pond through gentle hills and lots of wildflowers.
Thursday, Aug. 24
Dynamite Cabin Hike
3 p.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
Hike a 1.8-mile round trip trail, rated easy to moderate, through the woods of Mueller and get a glimpse of the Dynamite Cabin. Led by Naturalist Jack.
Ghost Towns in Pikes Peak Region
8 p.m. At the Amphitheater
Colorado has approximately 600 ghost towns with buildings and artifacts attesting to their history. The economy that created the towns and stories of their abandonment recounts the history of Colorado development. Presented by Volunteer Naturalist Paul.
Friday, Aug. 25
Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn the basics of fly fishing with Volunteer Craig. For guests 8 years and up. Equipment provided.
Saturday, Aug. 26
Western Heritage Day
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Celebrate the ranching history of Mueller State Park at this family-friendly festival. Learn how the Mueller family raised cattle and award-winning Quarter Horses on this land. Try out some pioneer crafts and skills, games and tasty treats. Free pony rides for kids. Artisans sharing their talents – spinning and weaving, quilting, farm animals, hay ride and much more.
Sunday, Aug. 27
Grouse Mountain Trail
9 a.m. Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead
General nature hike to the highest point in the park with a beautiful overlook. See if moss really does grow on the north side of the tree. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Michael.
Tuesday, Aug. 29
Rock Pond Trail Hike
9 a.m. Meet at Rock Pond Trailhead
A favorite trail in the park, this trail descends into a lush valley in the backcountry to a beautiful pond, then up a canyon to see a tiny waterfall. Rated difficult due to 700 feet elevation change. Bring water and a snack. Led by Volunteer Naturalist Rose.
Wednesday, Aug. 30
Owl Pellets
2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center
Join Naturalist Abby as we investigate the life of an owl. Hands on and fascinating.
Thursday, Aug. 31
Fly Fishing Clinic
10 a.m. Meet at Dragonfly Pond
Learn the basics of fly fishing with Volunteer Craig. For guests 8 years and up. Equipment provided.
Osborn Loop Hike
3:30 p.m. Meet at Black Bear Trailhead
Check out this 3.3-mile loop trail with Naturalist Jack. Imagine what it was like to scratch out a living at this homestead 100+ years ago.
Mueller events are free for any guest with a $10 day pass, a $29 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 on Colorado Highway 67, just 3½ miles south of the intersection of U.S. Highway 24 at Divide on the west side of Pikes Peak
