City: Divide, CO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (719) 687-2366

Address: 21045 Highway 67 S.

Description: You want to see wildlife? Go to Mueller. The 5,121-acre park, with 50 miles of trails, is home to elk, black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. There is so much activity, pets are not permitted on the trails or in the backcountry, and one area of the park is off limits in June for elk calving. There are more than 115 species of birds, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and Clark’s nutcrackers. It is awe-inspiring in its beauty, with mixed coniferous and aspen forest, rock outcroppings, grassland, and wetlands. There are homesteads from early pioneers. From pines to meadows, Mueller is what one pictures when thinking of classic Colorado. Hiking and biking are extremely popular here, but visitors also can ride horses. You need to bring your own horse, and out of the 50 miles of trails, 19 are designated for riding horses or bikes. The visitor center and website list a number of short, family-friendly hikes of less than 1 mile. There also are 132 campsites, with many open for winter camping, and there are 3 cabins available year round. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding/tubing are also popular here in the winter. If a simple day hike and picnic are in your plans, Mueller offers 41 wooded, scenic picnic sites (table and grill) scattered among conifer and aspen forests, some with views of the surrounding peaks. A few sites also are near restrooms and drinking water, and all are on a first-come basis. In the fall, Mueller is a choice hunting spot. The Dome Rock State Wildlife Area (http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/StateWildlifeAreas) adjoins Mueller, with 800 acres designated for hunting during season in the fall. Three trails from Mueller access the hunting area. In the summer, naturalists lead hikes, and there are other educational activities and programs throughout the year. Check the calendar on the website or stop in the visitor center to see what’s up during your visit. And don’t forget your camera! The park is open year-round, and the visitor center is open Wed through Sun. Park passes are $7 daily per vehicle, or you can purchase an annual pass for $70, although Colorado seniors pay only $35. You can get to Mueller by going west out of Colorado Springs on US 24. At Divide, turn left on CO 67 South for 3.5 miles to the park entrance.

City: Divide, CO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (719) 687-2366

Address: 21045 CO 67 S.

Description: Mueller is the classic Colorado vista of mountains, meadows, and forests. Mueller’s campground, with 132 campsites for motor homes, trailers, and tents, is located in picturesque spruce, fir, pine, and aspen trees with an awe-­inspiring view of the surrounding peaks. Sites for RVs or tent-electrical capabilities are $22/night and walk-in tent sites—all with tent pads—are $18/night. There is a camper-services building with modern restrooms, coin-­operated showers, and coin laundry. In addition, water hydrants and vault toilets are located throughout the campground. Winter camping your thing? Mueller has 17 electrical sites that stay open Oct through May for $20/night on a first come, first served basis, and the modern bathrooms and vault toilets stay open during the winter camping season. If you’d rather “camp” in a more comfortable, cozy style, Mueller has 3 modern cabins nestled in secluded alpine meadows. They each feature log construction, fully equipped kitchen and bath, indoor gas fireplace, furniture, outdoor deck with gas barbeque, and amazing views. The cabins are either a 2-bedroom ($140/night), 3-bedroom ($200/night), or 4-bedroom ($260/night).Pets are welcome in the campground and picnic areas, but they have to be on leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on the trails or in the backcountry. Since this is serious bear country, all trash and food should be put away except when you’re eating. Individual campsites can be reserved through the Colorado State Park’s reservation system (800-678-2267, www.parks.state.co.us), but the group campground needs to be reserved locally (719-687-2366). The campsites can start being reserved mid-May through mid-October and are available up to 6 months in advance.