Mueller State Park Outlook Ridge to Red Tail Overlook

It looks like being sunny with low winds this coming Saturday, and there is nothing that can compare with the overlook scenes of both Pikes Peak and the Front Range in Mueller State Park in winter. The Outlook Ridge Trail to Red Tail Overlook, which can be found on Colorado Trail Explorer at https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/91413, is 3.1 miles out-and-back (without the excursions to Raven Ridge and Lone Eagle Overlooks), with a total elevation gain on the return trip of around 400 feet. Although the trails themselves are well maintained and relatively easy, the hike is ranked as moderate difficulty, mainly because of the elevation of the hike, which starts out at around 9,600 feet. Boots, sunglasses, windbreakers, hats and gloves will be needed, and you should plan on bringing water and snacks in a day pack. There is likely to be snow on the trails in the park during winter months, and while it should be well-packed, you should bring microspikes and/or hiking poles to avoid slippage. We will meet at 10:00 at the Mueller State Park Visitor’s Center, for which there is a vehicle entry fee of $10 if you do not have a resident Keep Colorado Wild pass on your vehicle registration. The road up to the trailhead is paved and there are bathrooms at the Visitor’s Center. Directions can be found on Google Maps as Mueller State Park, 21045 CO-67, Divide, CO 80814. Dogs are not welcome in Colorado State Parks, sorry.