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The Pikes Peak Range as seen from the Elk Creek Trail at Mueller State Park |
We visited Mueller State Park on our summer trip last year. We enjoyed our stay so much that we decided to come back again this year to do more exploring of this high mountain park near Divide, CO. The hiking trails here are scenic and beautiful with mountain wildflowers, lovely forested areas and great views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The park is very well maintained with multiple sites, many with electric, laundry, showers and a lovely visitors centers. Every day a park naturalist takes visitors on hikes on the many trails that highlight the diversity of this amazing place. The park is quit high up in elevation, 9,500 on average, so visitors need to acclimate to the elevation and drink lots of fluids. The day time highs are pleasant with cool nights for sleeping.
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Our campsite at the grouse mountain loop at Mueller State Park |
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The Elk Meadow Trail, overlooking the Pikes Peak mountain range |
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Peak view pond |
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Mountain wildflowers were blooming all along the Elk Meadow trail |
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The terrain meanders from forest to meadow |
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The park is popular for equestrians |
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Large sculpture of a bull Elk in front of the visitors center |
I did place a post up of Mueller State Park on last years summer trip to this area however each time a park for the second time we see new and unique scenery. Mueller State Park is no exception. The diversity of landscape, wildlife and plant life makes this place extra special. It is wise to get a reservation in advance to see this beautiful place as it is quit popular.
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Pikes peak granite boulders are visible from the Lost Pond Trail |
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Lost Pond |
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WESTERN TIGER SALAMANDER in Geer Pond, This species is the Colorado States official amphibian |
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Colorful Wildflowers populate the areas along the Lost Pond Trail |
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From alpine valleys to spruce & pine forests to majestic peaks, Mueller has it all |
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A good variety of colorful mushrooms can be seen along the trails |
Each day of our three day visit I was able to take a hike with a naturist on some of the parks popular trails. One of the most interesting for plant life is the Wapiti Trail. This trail is easy with a small amount of elevation gain. Barbara was able to join me for a pleasant through some beautiful mountain meadows and forests along this scenic trail near the visitors center.
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The scenery along the Wapiti Trail is richly diverse with trees and plant life |
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The mountain wildflowers are rich in diversity with brilliant colors |
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Mushrooms thrive in colonies occasionally and are rich with texture |
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The landscapes in Mueller are breathtaking in scope |
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There is abundant variety of wildflowers to admire along all the parks trails |
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