🌳🍂 Leaf Peeping at Mueller State Park

Join us for a beautiful fall day at Mueller State Park, one of the best places near Colorado Springs to see Colorado’s golden aspen trees! The park features more than 5,000 acres of forests, meadows, mountain views, and scenic hiking trails.
We will hike the School Pond–Aspen Trail Loop, which passes through several large aspen groves known for their outstanding fall colors. We will enjoy the scenery, take pictures, and stop for snacks along the way.

📅🍂 The date and time are subject to change depending on when the fall colors are expected to be at their peak.

🥾 Hiking Details

• Trail: School Pond–Aspen Trail Loop
• Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles
• Elevation gain: Approximately 400 feet
• Estimated time: 2–2½ hours, including photography stops
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Trail surface: Dirt with a few short, steep sections
• Starting elevation: Approximately 9,400 feet

Although the hike is not very long, the elevation and steep sections may make it feel more challenging. We will maintain a relaxed, social pace and stop several times to enjoy and photograph the fall colors.
📷 Bring Your Camera
Bring your camera or phone! We will make several stops to photograph the golden aspen trees, mountain scenery, and group memories.
🎒 What to Bring

• Hiking shoes or boots
• Plenty of water
• Lunch or snacks
• Layers for changing mountain weather
• Rain jacket
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera or phone
• Trekking poles, if you normally use them
• Brightly colored clothing for increased visibility during hunting season

🚗 Carpooling From Denver
We will arrange an optional carpool from Denver. Mueller State Park is approximately two hours from Denver, depending on traffic.
Please comment if you can drive and how many passengers you can take, or if you need a ride. Everyone is responsible for coordinating their own transportation. Please help your driver with gas expenses.
🎟️ Park Entrance
A reservation is not required for a day visit. However, every vehicle must have a valid Colorado state-parks pass or purchase a daily vehicle pass, currently listed at approximately $10–$15. We will divide the entrance fee among the people riding in each vehicle.
If your Colorado vehicle registration includes the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, you may already have admission to the park.
📍 Meeting Location
We will initially meet near the Mueller State Park Visitor Center:
21045 Highway 67 South
Divide, CO 80814
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so we can use the restroom, organize the group, and begin on time. After everyone arrives, we will drive together to the School Pond Trailhead, where the hike begins.
Parking may fill quickly during peak fall-color weekends, so we plan to arrive early.
⚠️ Important Information

• The date and start time are subject to change based on fall-color timing, weather, and trail conditions.
• Please do not make nonrefundable reservations based solely on this event until the date and time are confirmed.
• Mountain weather can change quickly, so come prepared for cooler temperatures, wind, or rain.
• Cellular service may be limited or unavailable inside the park.
• Pets are allowed in certain developed areas but are not permitted on Mueller State Park’s hiking trails.

⚠️ Participation Disclaimer
This is a social outdoor event and not a professionally guided hike. By attending, you acknowledge that hiking involves risks, including uneven terrain, high elevation, changing weather, wildlife encounters, falls, injuries, and limited cellular service.
Please evaluate your own health, experience, and abilities before participating. Each person is responsible for their own safety, transportation, equipment, belongings, and medical needs. The event host and organizers are not responsible for injuries, accidents, lost or damaged property, transportation issues, or other incidents that may occur before, during, or after the event.
After the hike, anyone interested can join us for food or drinks in Woodland Park or Colorado Springs.
Come enjoy the crisp mountain air, golden aspens, beautiful scenery, and good company. I look forward to exploring Mueller State Park with everyone! 🌳🍂