Mueller State Park
Mueller State Park, located just south of Divide, Colorado, is a 5,000-acre mountain paradise showcasing the best of Colorado’s outdoors. Known for its sweeping views of Pikes Peak, aspen-filled meadows, and dense forests, the park offers year-round recreation for hikers, campers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families seeking adventure.
Recreation and Amenities
The park features more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Mueller is also a popular camping destination, with over 100 campsites (including RV, tent, and cabins) available, as well as picnic areas and an amphitheater for ranger-led programs.
Wildlife & Scenery
Wildlife is abundant at Mueller, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers. Elk, mule deer, black bears, foxes, coyotes, and a wide variety of birds call the park home. In autumn, golden aspens light up the hillsides, while year-round views of Pikes Peak create a stunning backdrop for outdoor exploration.
History
Once part of a large cattle ranch, Mueller State Park was purchased by the State of Colorado in 1979 and officially opened to the public in 1991. Its establishment was made possible through Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) lottery funds, ensuring that this mountain landscape would be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 21045 CO-67, Divide, CO 80814
Hours: Open year-round, 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fees: Daily vehicle entry fee or annual state parks pass required.
Parking: Multiple lots available near trailheads, visitor center, and campground.
Fox Run Regional Park
Fox Run Regional Park, located in northern El Paso County near Black Forest, spans 417 acres of ponderosa pine forest, open meadows, and two picturesque lakes. A favorite for families, dog owners, and outdoor enthusiasts, the park blends natural beauty with well-designed amenities.
Trails and Recreation
The park offers about 4 miles of multi-use trails that weave through shaded pine stands and open areas, perfect for hiking, jogging, and biking. A scenic gazebo overlooking one of the lakes is a popular spot for quiet reflection or family photos.
Amenities and Features
Visitors will find two playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic pavilions, and large group shelters available by reservation. The park also features two fenced dog parks, making it a destination for pet owners. The combination of forests, ponds, and open fields makes Fox Run ideal for year-round outings.
Wildlife & Scenery
Fox Run’s lakes attract waterfowl such as ducks and geese, while the surrounding ponderosa pines provide habitat for woodpeckers, songbirds, squirrels, and deer. In the early morning or at dusk, it’s not uncommon to see herds of mule deer moving through the meadows. Seasonal wildflowers brighten the trails in spring and summer, while fall brings golden grasses and crisp air beneath towering pines.
History
Fox Run Regional Park opened in the late 1970s as one of El Paso County’s largest developed regional parks. Its creation helped meet the growing recreational needs of northern El Paso County as neighborhoods expanded around Black Forest. Today, it continues to serve as both a community gathering place and a natural retreat, preserving a slice of ponderosa pine forest amid rapid development.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 2110 Stella Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Hours: April–October: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | November–March: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Parking: Lots are accessible from Stella Drive and Roller Coaster Road, with spaces near playgrounds, fields, and trailheads.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park, located at the base of Colorado Springs’ iconic Cheyenne Mountain, is one of the region’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. Spanning over 2,700 acres, this Colorado Parks & Wildlife gem offers diverse wildlife, miles of trails, and one of the best examples of preserved foothill ecosystems along the Front Range.
Trails and Recreation
The park boasts more than 28 miles of trails, open to hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Trails wind through prairie grasslands, scrub oak, and pine forest, offering varied terrain and stunning views of both the city and the mountains. The Dixon Trail, a challenging backcountry route, leads adventurers toward the top of Cheyenne Mountain for an unforgettable vista. The park also features an archery range, picnic areas, and a modern campground with RV hookups, cabins, and tent sites.
Wildlife and Scenery
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is known for its incredible biodiversity. Visitors may spot mule deer, elk, coyotes, black bears, and mountain lions, as well as an abundance of bird species like hawks and bluebirds. Its location at the transition zone between plains and mountains makes it a living classroom for ecology and a scenic retreat for nature lovers.
History
The park opened in 2006 as Colorado’s newest state park, preserving a landscape that had remained largely undeveloped. Named for the Ute word “Shayan,” Cheyenne Mountain has long been a landmark and cultural touchstone for Indigenous peoples, pioneers, and now, outdoor enthusiasts. The park continues to protect natural resources while providing carefully managed access to the public.
Plan Your Visit
-
Location: 410 JL Ranch Heights Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80926
-
Parking: Multiple paved lots are available near trailheads, the visitor center, and the campground. Accessible parking is provided.
-
Hours: Open daily, 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. The visitor center operates with seasonal hours.
-
Fees: A daily vehicle pass or Colorado State Parks pass is required.
-
Tips: Trails are multi-use, so watch for hikers and bikers. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed. Reservations are recommended for camping.
With its sweeping landscapes, abundant wildlife, and modern amenities, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is the perfect place to hike, camp, and reconnect with nature just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs.
