
🌤 Weather at Mueller State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–56 °F | 41–74 °F | 18–65 °F | 9–34 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Divide 4NW, 6 mi away, elevation 9,134 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Eleven Mile State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Mueller State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 136 sites — 136 sites including basic, backcountry, and electric hook-up sites (exact split not stated); 7 ADA-accessible sites. Winter maintains 29 electric sites in Peak View and Revenuers Ridge campgrounds. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 3 rustic log cabins sleep 4-8, heat, gas fireplace, basic kitchen, private decks; 2-night minimum stay; 2 cabins wheelchair accessible; no pets allowed in cabins. |
| Pets | Pets allowed in camping and picnic areas only (not at cabins, not on trails/backcountry); max 6-ft leash. |
| Reservations | cpwshop.com (Book Your Stay); park office 719-687-2366. |
| Special sites | 2 equestrian sites (133-134), $36 + $10/animal/night, max 2 horses; 2 group sites for 24-66 campers; backcountry camping available. |
| Season notes | Winter: vault toilets open at Outlook Ridge, Peak View Campground, and across from site 87. |
Camping questions about Mueller State Park
Can you camp at Mueller State Park?
Yes. Mueller State Park has 136 campsites. 136 sites including basic, backcountry, and electric hook-up sites (exact split not stated); 7 ADA-accessible sites. Winter maintains 29 electric sites in Peak View and Revenuers Ridge campgrounds.
How do you reserve a campsite at Mueller State Park?
cpwshop.com (Book Your Stay); park office 719-687-2366.
Are there cabins at Mueller State Park?
3 rustic log cabins sleep 4-8, heat, gas fireplace, basic kitchen, private decks; 2-night minimum stay; 2 cabins wheelchair accessible; no pets allowed in cabins.
Are pets allowed at the Mueller State Park campground?
Pets allowed in camping and picnic areas only (not at cabins, not on trails/backcountry); max 6-ft leash.
Source: cpw.state.co.us (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Mueller State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 6 feet required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- It is unlawful to allow a dog or other pet within any area used as a swimming or water-ski beach.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Some parks offer pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Golden Gate Canyon, State Forest, Mancos and Ridgway yurts) for a $10 per night pet fee.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $10 per night pet fee in participating pet-friendly cabins/yurts.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash dog areas at Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks (registration/fee applies).
Are dogs allowed at Mueller State Park?
Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via cpw.state.co.us. More: Colorado state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Mueller State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:















