mueller state park

Awesome views. We are Colorado natives and spend a lot of time enjoying all that our beautiful state has to offer. Beautifully maintained trails and such gorgeous views keep us coming back here even in winter.

I tend not to give 5 stars to most State Parks because it is quite difficult to compete with the larger, better funded, and likely more awe inspiring National Parks, but Mueller deserves it. The facilities are very modern and well tended year round. Trails are plentiful and offer a variety of activities including mountain biking and horseback riding (there is a stable here). Given the proximity to Colorado Springs, you are never too far away from a lot of other activities and conveniences; having said that, Mueller isn't your hole in the wall way the heck in the middle of nowhere. I recommend camping here as the sites are fairly spaced out along the scenic, well maintained road that winds and climbs its way to elevation - offering wide vistas of the area's topography. I traveled alone, but I could this being a great park for families. Get out there in the winter and you will be rewarded with great trails and wonderful natural life.

I picked this park for an extension of my vacation after spending a week in Vail CO. Mueller State Park really has all the facilities that one could ask for. I gave it four out of five rating because I travel in a small Class B motor home that does not have a bathroom (black water holding tank) and must use that toilet facilities provided by the park. The only toilets outside of the Camper Services Building are the vault toilets convenient to most camp grounds. While they were much better than some that I have used, if you want flush toilets you must go to the Camper Services Building, the only place where there are flush toilets and showers (coin operated showers and laundry facilities also). I suspect that this is not a problem for most visitors who come in a Class A motor home and have bathrooms in the rigs or to the walk-in/tent campers who probably have camped in much more primitive conditions. Now on to more interesting matters. The park is located along a ridge in the foothills of Pikes Peak and a nice view of the Peak is possible from several locations and along some trails. While I was there I went on a Ranger-led hike and was pleased with the experience. I chose one that was not too strenuous (about 5 miles and only one stretch with an up-hill climb). The ranger was a very good guide and pointed out wildlife (a porcuine) and related much about the natural and human history of the area. The park has a wide variety of trails of varying length, some of which are self-guided interpretative trails. The trail map (available from the Web site or trailhead) lists them all and many can be combined for a longer experience, if desired. Activities include amphitheater programs during the summer months (be sure to take along a coat or sweater for evening programs since it cools off quickly after sunset). The Visitor Center has a nice display of interpretative exhibits. I visited in June and was surprised to learn later that the park is open all year. During the winter months the water is shut off, the three cabins and only a few (Web site says 17 but I count 18) of the camp sites are available (first come - first served). The showers and laundry are closed. Trails are open for winter activities - cross-country skiing etc. I look forward to another visit but will probably go in June again or in August (to get away from the heat in Texas). I actually visited in June of 2008.The Web site, http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mueller/Pages/default.aspx, has all the information.

This park was our choice for a great view of the mountains and fall color. The drive from Colorado Springs out to Divide was scenic in itself. There was a fee for the car to enter the park. Wish we could still hike--great place for it. After driving up the mountain, we enjoyed the vistas-- including the back side of Pikes Peak--all afternoon. There's a Visitors' Center with good facilities, a gift shop, benches, and a deck with chairs and table. The altitude slowed me down some, but it was lovely and relaxing.

This is a great state park with well maintained trails for hiking and great camp sites. The views are spectacular and most of the hikes are moderate. The rangers are friendly and will help you with any questions and give suggestions to help you. If you're in the area take a hike in Mueller.

After our weekend trip to Mueller State Park we have dubbed it our favorite Colorado State Park! Located west of Colorado Springs, close to Woodland Park, it is easy to get to from the Denver suburbs. We arrived late at night...just about midnight. I'd emailed ahead of time because in mid-October until May they do not take reservations. I was told that I'd have a pretty good chance of getting a spot, but of course, they couldn't guarantee it. Fortunately, there were small handful of spots still available. It turned out that the next day (Friday) more campers arrived so they opened another section, which freed up about 15 more spots. The sites are well wooded and you feel secluded. I recommend researching spots along the perimeter, as some of them have million dollar views! We were in site #21, which backed up to the woods. We could see some of our neighbors, but they were far enough away that we couldn't hear them. Our 20-foot travel trailer had no problems pulling in and parking, even at midnight. In the winter electric is provided, as well as nice bathrooms, and the dump station (which will close once it starts freezing). Water was not available, which was not a problem for us. The showers are closed this time of year, as well. Again, not a problem if you have your own facilities. Fire pits were open at each site. The playground area was officially closed, but the equipment was available for kiddos to play on.The visitor center is really nice with lovely views. The employees we encountered were all VERY nice and helpful. Our first question was, "Where can we run our dogs?". You see, dogs are permitted but ONLY on leash ANYWHERE at the park. They want campers to be respectful of the wildlife, which we saw while there. We get that, so it wasn't a problem, especially when the park rep said that we could take our dogs to run at Crags Campground, located 3 1/2 miles away. It was a beautiful place where we found lots of open space for our dogs to run. We also found a lot of nice campsites that were located right along the stream, and cost $0 to use. Some are even accessible for a camper!Mueller State Park Campground has three cabins for rent. All three are gorgeous! These aren't rustic cabins, but beautifully decorated and comfortable cabins. You may find pictures on-line. Right now they are half off, until May. When we heard about this deal we booked a weekend in January, as we learned that the campground is open all year, and they offer winter activities, such as sledding, tubing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. They told us that they don't know what areas will be open, but the ones that are will be plowed, so there won't be any issues with access. The woman also told us that they'll get tent campers in the winter that will bring a heater and plug it in. I'll stick with my travel trailer, but this is pretty cool (no pun intended!) for the gutsy outdoorsman. While staying at Mueller State Park we saw deer a handful of times. They're quite tame and have figured out they are safe, even though it is hunting season. The views in the area are breathtaking! We got up before dawn on our last morning just to be able to see the gorgeous sunrise over the mountain range (Sangre de Christo mountains). It was well worth is getting up so early. While there we visited Woodland Park. BierWerks Brewery was really awesome. They had a bbq truck there for dinner the night we were there that was excellent. It's a really friendly place with good beer. Across the street is Ute Pass Brewing. We gave them a thumbs up for their beer cheese soup, but in our eyes they aren't officially a brewery unless they are brewing their own beer, which they hope to be doing in the near future. No separate checks here, as we learned from another post.One day we took a drive along the goldmine highway (Hwy 67). It was neat to see, but the mines that are operating are wreaking havoc (personal opinion) on the landscape. Some have promised to repair it after they are done, but just looking at it kind of made us weak. The little towns along the way are nice, but teeny. Gambling is big in Cripple Creek, which we aren't into, but it was still pleasant to drive around. Overall, this was one of the best camping trips EVER for us, and we can't wait to go back again. There are lots and lots of trails on the property that we didn't even get to. We'll be hitting it in the wintertime with snowshoes and tubes in tow!

The whole park is simply excellent. The roads, paths, trails and camping sites are beautifully kept. The staff and guides are most helpful and charming without in any way being overbearing. Go and see and enjoy the views for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

If we lived anywhere near Divide, CO, Mueller would be my new favorite place to go for a day, or to take up camping, again. We were so impressed with the quality of the infrastructure of this state park, the meticulous maintenance of everything, and the knowledge and helpfulness of the staff. They also have an excellent website that covers just about everything you need. The scenery is truly beautiful, with ranges of imposing peaks to the east (including Pikes) and an excellent viewing station for them right off the Visitor Center lot, that helps you easily identify what you see and get some background of the area, too. I suggest stopping in the center for some personalized tips for suitable hikes (taking into consideration your time, interests and condition -- altitude is a serious concern) and any reports of wildlife sightings, etc. We got good advice, and ended up seeing small herds of mule deer in several places, and very up close, as well as wonderful scenic views and plenty of time away from anyone else in the park. Trails and signage were in great condition, but carrying the map helped where trails met up, so as not to go wrong and get onto a harder/longer trail than intended. Trail heads also offer good info with descriptions, distance, elevation gain and difficulty ratings to help you choose --as well as parking and potties at each.We found that if you don't regularly hike distance at elevation (park is above 9000ft) "moderate" trails, and any area of elevation gain will be a challenge -- but doable if you're healthy, take your time, and take and drink lots of water There are several places where you can fill bottles and canteens throughout the park. Also note that weather on this side (west) of the range can be very different than just to the east. We were staying in Manitou Sprgs where it was cold and foggy, with intermittent downpours both before and after we were at the park -- but in Mueller it was clear, sunny and at least 20 degrees warmer.

We visited Mueller State Park years ago and loved it--the trees, views, and animals. We ended up moving close by.

We saved this gem for our last day in Colorado. It's got to be in the top 5 of my favorite state parks. It's absolutely beautiful. It used to be a ranch, then turned into a game preserve. Now everyone can enjoy it. $7 for admission. We started off our day with... you guessed it - a hike! The trail map we got at the gate was a maze. We decided to take the Grouse Mtn overlook first. We had to take the road all the way through the campground, which is being repaved by the way. When you get all the way to the end there's a large parking lot with a pit toilet. The info kiosk gives you alternative ideas for trail. It seems the trails are all one way, but you can loop them together in various combos. After we did the Grouse Mtn we swung into Trail 17 to loop with Cahill pond. 2.59 miles. The trails are meticulously signed. Just be careful & keep your trail map with you. We almost continued on trail 17 & it's longer than what we wanted. Bring your water. The day was gorgeous & you're supposed to be able to see lots of wildlife on this trail combo. Sadly, we didn't. In the whole time we spent in Colorado we never saw a bear! There's supposed to bears around, so be aware. We then had a quiet picnic lunch at Lost Pond. Then we were so pumped we hiked some more. We looped Lost Pond with Outlook Ridge, trail 7. This is a very steep, strenuous trail, so make sure to wear good hiking shoes. We only went to Lone Eagle Outlook, but sadly didn't see any eagles. This loop was 2.18. The campground was so scenic & I was kicking myself in the butt for staying at the KOA. If you can, get a reservation for this campground. You won't regret it like I did. Modern restrooms/coin showers. A LAUNDRY ROOM!!! By this time the pavers should be done & you'll have a good road. We were then pretty tired, so we hit the Visitor Center. It's a nice, modern building with a gift shop & nature displays. The views are wonderful & it was nice to just sit & enjoy. Another good day!

We stayed here for an overnight after Pikes Peak and before the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center visit. It is a lovely park. The campground was pleasant and quiet. It has a very nice visitor's center. We didn't have time to explore on this trip, but it would definitely be on our list for a return trip to Colorado.

Made reservations for Sunday-Wednesday because the weekends are impossible to reserve unless you plan well in advance. Beautiful park and camp grounds. Facilities were clean and park rangers were extremely helpful. It's not necessarily pet (dog) friendly but they do allow dogs at certain sites just not on the trails. If you bring a pet and want to go on a hike The Crags is just a mile or 2 SE of the park.

I'm not much of a camper and wasn't expecting much from a campground. I was very surprised at this place! Open area type spots perched in lovely scenic areas made this place a fabulous location to take our teens and kindergartener and meet up with friends. Hiking trails in various areas along with a playground to turn the kids loose made this campground the perfect alternative to a traditional campground. Bathrooms nearby along with showers at the camper services area made for a pleasant stay. We chose to use both a tent and camper and our site was perfect. Pull through sites along with walk-in tent sites are available. Fishing areas are hard to come by though.

We got a reservation at the last minute thanks to a cancellation because apparently this is a very popular campground in which the prime sites are reserved months in advance, so plan accordingly. We weren't accustomed to camping in a bear campground, so all the food had to go back in the truck every night because we were camping in a "pop-up" as opposed to a hard-sided camper, so that kinda made for a pain in the butt every night, and the "bear police" park rangers were diligent about making sure everything was put up. We were gone for the day, and we got a violation notice from them...but we had nobody to blame except ourselves. If they see a bear disturbing a campsite, they will tag it's ear...if they see it again, it will get killed so we didn't want our actions to lead to a death.Outside of the bears, the campground was WONDERFUL. The shower facilities were nice and clean, the on-site park hosts kept the place clean and well maintained and it was close enough to the local attractions the area has to offer. We had a AWESOME time and will be back again. This campground was our favorite from the entire trip.Plan months in advance for the best campsites and be aware of the bear protocols and you will have a great time

Nothing like the smell of diesel, dust, fresh oil and asphalt as road construction takes place in your campground. I made reservations in January for July and they would not allow me to reserve certain sites because of construction so we reserved another site and still have the construction. Trucks start making noise and stirring up dust at 7:30am and end at 5:00pm. So much for peaceful camping. Pretty park though.