Enjoy the fall season with spooky programs this month at Mueller
Anna Miller
DIVIDE, Colo. • October is famous for pumpkin spice, sweater weather, and Halloween. This year, Mueller will be no exception.
If you missed the popular elk hike in September, there will be another opportunity on October 11. The focus of this hike is looking for wildlife, especially elk. To limit the noise made by hikers, the hike only has a certain number of spots. Call the Visitor Center to reserve your spot at 719-687-2366.
Spooky Activities at Mueller
On October 18, Mueller is celebrating Halloween early with the first annual Pumpkin Hike. From 6 to 8 p.m. there will be a variety of spooky activities happening at the park.
Storytellers will be spinning tales around the history and lore of the Hunter’s moon. And the mystery of Sumner Osborn who disappeared on the land that is now Mueller State Park.
Join the nocturnal animals hike to discover what creatures lurk in the night and what color their eyes glow in the dark.
If you need to warm up, head to the Visitor Center for hot chocolate and candy.
The highlight of the evening will be a trail lined with carved pumpkins for visitors to explore. Each pumpkin will be numbered so visitors can vote for their favorite. If you’d like your own carving to be added to the trail, drop off a carved pumpkin at the Visitor Center on October 16th and 17th between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or on October 18th between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Exciting Updates at Mueller State Park
Grouse Mountain, Conifer Ridge, and the backcountry campsites will be closing for the season this month. All the trails will remain open.
For equestrians who want to enjoy the cooler fall weather, the backcountry equine rest stop along Cheesman Ranch Trail has been improved with the addition of a decomposing restroom. Now horses and riders can enjoy a true pitstop to recharge and refuel.
New Rivian electric vehicle chargers have also been installed in the Visitor Center parking lot. There are currently two stations for visitors to use.
The Visitor Center is open every day in October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For current trail conditions, call the Visitor Center at 719-687-2366.
Here’s a full list of the October 2024 programs: Tuesday, October 1
Morning Bird Hike
Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead 8:30 a.m.
Migrating birds are passing through Mueller for the annual flight south. Enjoy this one mile slow-paced walk looking and listening for local birds.
Saturday, October 5
Hike to Grouse Mountain
Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead 9:00 a.m.
Hike up the mountain to the Grouse Mountain overlook. This is a beautiful overlook with a stunning view, and is the highest point in the park. See a bit of natural history and entertain the question, “do moss prefer the north side of a tree?” 1-mile slow-paced loop.
Nature Reflection for Kids
Meet at Camper Services 2:00 p.m.
Specifically for kids, come and enhance your observational skills through art and quiet time in nature. Guardians/parents must be present and are also welcome to participate. Usually lasts 1-1.5 hours.
Upcoming Events at Mueller State Park
Wednesday, October 9
Wandering Wagon-Bears
At Camper Services 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Have questions about bears? The wagon will be wandering around camper services and the campgrounds to chat with visitors about the amazing Colorado animal, the black bear.
Friday, October 11
Hug a Tree
At the Visitor Center 2:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Basic survival and wilderness safety for kids (and parents). Ages 5 and up.
Sunset Elk Hike
Meet at Grouse Mountain Trailhead 5:30 p.m.
Fall is a great time of year to see and hear elk. Join us on this three mile hike through elk habitat to learn about elk and their behavior. Bring binoculars if you have them because the group will stop at certain locations to spend time looking for elk and other wildlife. The hike back to the trailhead will be dark, so also bring a headlamp or flashlight. This hike does include hills. Fun is guaranteed, seeing and/or hearing elk is not.
In order to have a better chance at seeing wildlife the number of spots for this hike are limited. Please call the visitor center to sign up at 719-687-2366.
Wednesday, October 16
Bear Lunch
At the Amphitheater 11:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Fall is a time for bears to eat as much food as possible before winter. See how your lunch compares to a bear’s lunch. And learn how you can protect bears during this crucial time of their lives. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch to eat during this program.
Friday, October 18
Nature Crafts
At the Visitor Center 2:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Make cool things with help from Mother Nature. Ages 3 and up.
Pumpkin Hike at Mueller
At the Visitor Center 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Calling all fall enthusiasts! Want to show off your pumpkin carving skills? Drop off a carved pumpkin at the Visitor Center between 9am-3pm on October 16 and 17 or between 9am-5pm on October 18. Pumpkins will be placed along the trail for visitors to see and vote for their favorite!
The winner will receive a prize from the gift shop.
There will also be a storyteller to unravel the mysteries surrounding the hunter’s moon and the Mueller disappearance of Sumner Osborn.
Learn about glowing animal eyes on a nocturnal animal hike.
End by warming up in the Visitor Center with some hot chocolate and candy. Come prepared with a headlamp or flashlight and warm clothes.
The storyteller will tell their tales at 6, 6:30, 7, and 7:30 p.m. Nocturnal animal hikes will begin at 6 and 7 p.m. Snacks and pumpkin viewing will be available the entire time. If the Visitor Center parking lot is full, Outlook Ridge and Preacher’s Hollow parking lots are within walking distance. Carpooling is encouraged. Contact Anna Miller with questions at 719-687-2366 ex 107.
Wednesday, October 23
Wandering Wagon-Bears
At Camper Services 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Fall is prime time for black bears to be prepping for winter. Find the wagon to hear about this process and other cool things about bears.
Friday, October 25
Unnature Trail
Meet at the Visitor Center 2:00 p.m.
Take a short hike to practice your observation skills and learn more about camouflage in nature. Age 6 and up.
Osborn Mystery Hike
Meet at Black Bear Trailhead 10 a.m.
Hike to the Osborn cabin and listen to the tale of Sumner Osborn, a homesteader who lived at Mueller in the early 1900s. Learn of his life living off the land, disputes among neighbors, and his sudden disappearance. This is a two-mile, moderate hike.
Saturday, October 26
Nature Journaling for Adults
Meet at Outlook Ridge Trailhead 2:00 p.m.
Slow down and reflect as you peacefully observe the changes of fall. Record what you notice through writing or drawing. Please come with your own journal/notebook and writing utensil. This program is roughly 1.5 hours.
Wednesday, October 30
Wandering Wagon-Skulls
At the Visitor Center 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
In celebration of Halloween, the wagon will be wandering around the Visitor Center full of various animal skulls. Can you tell which is witch? Take a look if you dare.