Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park sprawls across 5,112 acres in the western foothills of Pikes Peak, where spring-fed meadows, dense aspen and conifer forests, and massive granite formations create one of Colorado’s finest wildlife-viewing destinations. With 50+ miles of trails, panoramic views of the Continental Divide and Pikes Peak, regular sightings of elk and black bear, and a campground at 9,500 feet elevation, Mueller delivers a genuine Rocky Mountain experience without the crowds of the Front Range parks.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Location | Teller County, Colorado (near Divide & Cripple Creek) |
| Park Size | 5,112 acres |
| Elevation | 9,000–9,843 feet |
| Trails | 50+ miles (hiking, biking, equestrian) |
| Camping | 132 sites + 3 log cabins (year-round) |
| Key Wildlife | Elk, Black Bear, Mule Deer, 100+ bird species |
| Peak Views | Pikes Peak, Sangre de Cristo Range, Continental Divide |
| Nearest Town | Divide / Cripple Creek, CO |
Wildlife Viewing
Mueller is Colorado’s premier state park for wildlife:
- Elk — large herds in meadows; October “Bugling Elk Hikes” during the rut
- Black Bear — regularly spotted (bear boxes at campground)
- Mule Deer — common throughout
- Bobcat & Fox — elusive but present
- 100+ bird species — hawks, eagles, mountain bluebirds
Note: Dogs are not allowed on trails — this helps protect wildlife and improves sighting chances.
Trails (50+ Miles)
| Trail | Distance | Highlights |
| Grouse Mountain Overlook | Varies | Highest point (9,843ft), Pikes Peak views |
| Elk Meadow Trail | Varies | Best elk sighting chances |
| Cahill Pond Loop | 2.7 mi | Aspen views, easy family hike |
| Lone Eagle & Lost Pond | 3.3 mi | Scenic ponds, forest walking |
| Aspen Trail & School Pond | 5.5 mi | Full-day aspen experience |
| Wapiti Nature Trail | Short | Self-guided interpretive trail |
Note: Grouse Mountain area trails close June 1–20 annually for elk calving season.
Camping
- 132 campsites — electric, walk-in tent, and RV sites
- 3 fully furnished log cabins — year-round rental
- Camper services: flush toilets, coin showers, laundry, dump station
- Elevation 9,500ft — bring warm layers even in summer
- Reservations required up to 6 months in advance
How to Get There
- From Colorado Springs (45 min): US-24 West to Highway 67 South.
- From Denver (2 hours): I-25 South to US-24 West to Hwy 67.
Insider Tips
- October “Bugling Elk Hikes” are unforgettable — guided ranger walks during the elk rut
- No dogs on trails means better wildlife sightings — plan accordingly
- Fall aspen colors (late September) are spectacular on the Cahill Pond Loop
- Book the log cabins for winter — snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at 9,500ft
- Combine with Cripple Creek (15 min) — historic gold mining town
Explore More Colorado State Parks
Discover more in our Best State Parks in Colorado guide, or use our Park Finder.
