Mueller State Park - A forest path with trail markers
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Mueller State Park

4.8
·2k reviews·Divide, United States

A stunning wildlife reserve near Pikes Peak, offering diverse hiking, biking, and camping amidst breathtaking Colorado landscapes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late September - Early October

Peak fall foliage

CrowdMedium
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Mueller State Park - A forest path with trail markers

Mueller State Park

Best Time

Late September - Early October

Peak fall foliage

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning wildlife reserve near Pikes Peak, offering diverse hiking, biking, and camping amidst breathtaking Colorado landscapes.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"Such a beautiful and nice park! We only hit the elk meadow trail but it had everything you could want in one hike."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Camping Early

Camping spots fill up fast! Reserve your site well in advance, especially for weekends.

Chase Autumn Colors

Visit late Sept/early Oct for stunning golden aspens.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elk Meadow Trail

Elk Meadow Trail

Mueller State Park

A diverse trail offering mountain views, dense trees, open valleys, and a pond option. Perfect for a comprehensive hike.

Autumn Foliage

Autumn Foliage

Throughout Mueller State Park

Witness a breathtaking display of red, orange, and gold as aspens change color. A must-see in the fall.

Visitor Center

Visitor Center

Mueller State Park

Friendly staff, maps, and an interactive center make planning your visit easy and enjoyable for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Camping Early

Camping reservations at Mueller State Park can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It's highly recommended to book your campsite as soon as possible, particularly if you plan to visit during the week or on weekends. Check availability and reserve online well in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

Best Time for Fall Colors

For vibrant autumn foliage, aim for late September to early October. The park's aspens turn brilliant shades of gold, creating stunning landscapes. While some green may linger, this period offers the most consistent and breathtaking fall colors. Instagram+3

Best Times

When
Late September - Early October
Why
Peak fall foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Cooler temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Things to do in Austin, TX 📍Mueller Farmers Market 🛍️🌸 #shebuystravel #austin #austintx #thingstodoinaustin #austintexasthings
@shebuystravel
6.2K likes • 142.4K views

Book Camping Early

Camping spots fill up fast! Reserve your site well in advance, especially for weekends. Reddit

Chase Autumn Colors

Visit late Sept/early Oct for stunning golden aspens. Instagram+1

Fall season has started in Colorado. 🍂 Did you know Colorado Springs is one of the best spots for this beautiful foliage? 1. Pikes Peak 2. North Cheyenne Cañon Park 3. Gold Camp Road 4. Mueller State Park 5. Cripple Creek and Victor 6. Garden of the Gods 7. Rampart Range Road 8. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument 9. Palmer Park 10. Fountain Creek Nature Center Save this and follow @colo...
coloradohostel
22 likes • 925 views
Mueller State Park is beautiful right now! Some trees are still green so I expect colors might be good all this week too!
dietitian.mama.adventures
82 likes • 704 views

Visitor Center is Key

Stop by for maps and friendly advice before hitting the trails. InstagramReddit

Day Pass Fee

A day pass costs $10, providing access to all trails and facilities. Instagram

Colorado in the fall is a stunning display of vibrant autumn colors! 🍂✨ Stay at Glen Eyrie and take a short drive to the mountains to see the beautiful colors! Mueller State Park is a great place to go that is 45 minutes away. This park bursts into shades of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change, creating picturesque landscapes. #colorado #fall #autumn #foliage #travel #explore #visitcolo...
gleneyriecastle
323 likes • 26.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Camping Early

Camping spots fill up fast! Reserve your site well in advance, especially for weekends. Reddit

Chase Autumn Colors

Visit late Sept/early Oct for stunning golden aspens. Instagram+1

Visitor Center is Key

Stop by for maps and friendly advice before hitting the trails. InstagramReddit

Day Pass Fee

A day pass costs $10, providing access to all trails and facilities. Instagram

Kid-Friendly Trails

Plenty of walkable trails suitable for families with children. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Mueller State Park for its beauty, well-maintained trails, and peaceful camping atmosphere. The diverse scenery on trails like Elk Meadow and the stunning fall colors are major highlights. While most experiences are positive, some visitors have noted unexpected closures of shower facilities.

"Such a beautiful and nice park! We only hit the elk meadow trail but it had everything you could want in one hike. Gorgeous Mountain View’s at points, a bit of dense trees, open valley view, and there is an option to hit a pond on the way back to the parking lot.
The lady at the counter in the visitor center was so nice.
Will be back for other trails!"

tessa cargile

"Me and my husband had a great time camping at Mueller State Park. There are facilities like bathroom, shower, dish sink at the Camper’s Services. Guess what you are also welcome if you down own an Rv. We had a tent and had a great time. Is quiet and family environment."

Agatha Francini

"Beautiful campground. Quiet, peaceful, user friendly. Beautiful trails. We had cell service. Wonderful, relaxing experience. Can't wait to come back."

Heather Reck Bechert

What People Like

Beautiful mountain views
Well-maintained trails
Peaceful camping

What People Dislike

Unexpected shower closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mueller State Park is located about 45 minutes to an hour southwest of Colorado Springs. You can drive through Woodland Park and Divide for scenic routes. Instagram+1

Public transportation options to Mueller State Park are very limited. Driving your own vehicle is the most practical way to reach the park. Instagram

From Colorado Springs, take US-24 West towards Woodland Park. Continue on US-24 W, then turn left onto CO-67 S towards Divide. Follow CO-67 S, and you will see signs for Mueller State Park. Instagram

Yes, driving through towns like Woodland Park and Divide offers beautiful scenery on your way to the park. Instagram

The drive typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour from Colorado Springs, depending on traffic and your starting point. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The day pass fee for Mueller State Park is $10 per vehicle. This grants you access to all trails and facilities for the day. Instagram

Reservations are not typically required for day use, but camping reservations are highly recommended and can book up in advance. Reddit

Mueller State Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours for facilities like the visitor center may vary, so it's best to check their official website. Instagram

It's advisable to have cash on hand for the entrance fee, though some parks may offer card payment options. Check the park's official website for the most current payment methods. Instagram

Information on discounts is not readily available. Standard day pass fees apply for most visitors. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular trails include the Elk Meadow Trail, which offers diverse scenery, and the Lost, Geer, Rock, Brook, and School Ponds Loop for a longer hike with great views. InstagramReddit

Yes, the park is known for its wildlife. Visitors have reported seeing families of deer, and it's a great place to experience nature. Reddit

Absolutely! Mueller State Park offers campgrounds with facilities like bathrooms, showers, and dish sinks. Both RV and tent sites are available. Reddit

Campgrounds provide bathrooms, showers, dish sinks, and water bottle filling stations. Sites are generally spacious for RVs, campers, and tents. Reddit

Yes, many visitors have reported having cell service within Mueller State Park, which can be helpful for navigation and communication. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The park offers stunning mountain views, especially during fall foliage season. Trails like Elk Meadow provide diverse photographic opportunities. Instagram+2

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour is particularly magical. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive mountain vistas. Instagram

Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying. Instagram

Fall is exceptionally photogenic with its vibrant colors. Summer offers lush greenery, and winter can provide dramatic snow-covered landscapes. Instagram+3

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mueller State Park is a fantastic destination for families. The park offers numerous walkable trails suitable for children, making it easy for little ones to explore without getting too tired. Instagram The interactive visitor center is also a hit with kids, providing engaging exhibits and helpful information. Instagram Families can enjoy spotting wildlife, such as deer, which are often seen throughout the park. Reddit Camping here is also a great option, with family-friendly campgrounds and amenities like clean bathrooms and dishwashing stations. Reddit

🏕️ Campers

Mueller State Park offers a well-equipped and peaceful camping experience. Both RV and tent campers are welcome, with spacious sites that can accommodate vehicles and tents. Reddit Campgrounds feature essential amenities like bathrooms, showers, and dish sinks, ensuring a comfortable stay. Reddit The quiet, family-friendly environment makes it ideal for a relaxing getaway. Remember to book your campsite in advance, as popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Mueller State Park is a dream location, especially during the fall season. The vibrant aspen colors create stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram+3 The Elk Meadow Trail and other scenic routes offer diverse backdrops, from mountain vistas to wooded areas. Reddit Consider visiting during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the most dramatic and beautiful light. Instagram Don't forget to check drone regulations if you plan to capture aerial shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Hiking Trails for Every Level

Mueller State Park boasts an extensive network of trails catering to all hiking abilities. For a rewarding experience with varied scenery, the Elk Meadow Trail is a popular choice. It features gorgeous mountain views, sections of dense forest, open valleys, and even an optional pond detour. Reddit If you're looking for a more challenging trek, consider the Lost, Geer, Rock, Brook, and School Ponds Loop, an 11-mile route with a significant elevation gain that offers beautiful vistas and plenty of side trails. Instagram

Many trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, making them suitable for families. The park's diverse terrain ensures that no two hikes are quite the same, offering opportunities to explore meadows, woodlands, and scenic overlooks. Always check trail conditions before you go, especially after inclement weather. InstagramReddit

Camping Experience at Mueller

Mueller State Park provides a tranquil and user-friendly camping experience for both RVs and tents. Campgrounds are known for being quiet and family-friendly, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Reddit Key facilities include bathrooms, showers, and a convenient dish sink area, along with a water bottle filling station. Reddit

The campsites are generally spacious, accommodating both vehicles and tents comfortably, and many offer wonderful views overlooking the mountains. Reddit Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the overall well-maintained nature of the sites. It's important to note that shower facilities may have seasonal closures, so it's wise to confirm their availability if this is a priority. Reddit

Capturing Colorado's Fall Colors

Mueller State Park is a prime destination for experiencing Colorado's spectacular fall foliage. The park's aspen groves transform into a vibrant tapestry of gold, orange, and red, creating breathtaking landscapes that photographers and nature lovers alike will adore. Instagram+3

The peak season for these stunning colors typically occurs from late September to early October. During this time, the crisp mountain air and the golden hues of the aspens create a truly magical atmosphere. Instagram+1 Even if you miss the peak, there can still be beautiful colors lingering into the week. Instagram Remember to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery; early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography. Instagram

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