Mueller State Park Hiking Trails

Visitors are invited to explore the park's natural and historical resources via 50 miles of trails. Trails vary from short, leisurely walks to challenging, full-day hikes. The average elevation in the park is 9,600 feet.

All trails are open to hikers. There are 27 miles for horseback riding and 19 miles for bicyclists. View the detailed Mueller State Park Trails Map to find a hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking trail. An ample horse-trailer parking and unloading area is located off of Wapiti Road and is identified on the map. Some trails are better suited for winter activities.

Mueller is in the heart of black bear country. Black bears are often seen in the park during the spring, summer and fall. Pets are not permitted on the trails or in the backcountry. Trails in the Grouse Mountain area of Mueller are closed June 1 through June 20 every spring for Elk calving.

Trail #16 Grouse Mountain Overlook (.8 mile round trip)

Close to the campground, this trail offers a quiet hike through a timbered forest. Take #17 Cheesman Trail to Trail #16. The trail leads to the top of Grouse Mountain, the highest point in the park (9,843 feet). Enjoy a spectacular view of Pikes Peak to the east and the Sangre de Cristo Range to the southwest. Keep in mind that this trail will be closed every year from June 1 through June 20 for elk calving season.

Trail #6 Wapiti Self-Guided Nature Trail (.8 mile round trip)

If you need a place to reflect, this trail provides a contemplative hike in a beautiful mountain setting. The Wapiti Self-Guided Nature Trailhead is located at the east end of the Visitors Center parking lot. You can pick up a self-guided brochure at station 1. The trail winds through captivating habitats containing a variety of plant and animal life.

Trail #11 Lost Pond (.8 mile round trip)

A visually stimulating trail, Lost Pond leads to a verdant valley with wildflowers and ample wildlife watching opportunities. It's a great place to surround yourself with nature as you enjoy a restful pond setting.

Trail #2 School Pond (1.6 miles round trip)

Enjoy the backcountry as you stroll along this trail. While it doesn't offer fishing, School Pond does have great wildlife watching during the morning or evening hours. The trail splits .2 mile from the trailhead. At the fork take a left to hike the loop section clockwise. As you follow the trail past the pond, you'll see a meadow filled with shrubby cinquefoil. As the trail approaches a ridge, the rest of the hike becomes relatively easy, winding through a conifer and aspen forest.

Trail #7 Outlook Ridge to Trail #8 Raven Ridge Overlook (1.4 miles round trip)

One of the most popular hikes in the park, this trailhead leads to Raven Ridge Overlook, one of three overlook opportunities on this trail. These rock outcroppings offer some outstanding views.

Trail #12 Homestead/Black Bear Loop (2.3 miles)

On hot summer days, you'll enjoy the cool forest and sunny meadows along this trail. Start at the Homestead Trail. Hike 1.1 miles to Black Bear Trail #13. Turn right on Trail #13. Continue to Trail #1 which will take you back to the beginning of Homestead Trail.

Trail #27 Osborn Homestead Loop(3.2 miles round trip)

Travel back in time to one of the park's old homesteads. From #13 Black Bear Trailhead, you can hike downhill to the Osborn Homestead Trail #27. Continue to the homestead ruins. Built in the early 1900s by the Earl Osborn family, the homestead is a reminder of the harsh, severe life of the early settlers. Continue on Trail #27 and meet trail #13 again. Turn right and follow #13 back to the trail head.

Dragonfly Children's Nature Trail (.5 mile)

This unique trail offers interactive stations to peak the interest of children and adults. Beautiful and educational. This trailhead is next to the parking lot and begins with a jumping activity. Continue through the gates to explore the many wonders of pond life. Discover who lives in and around the water.