Teller County’s Mueller State Park is kicking off a month of free programs and guided hikes Thursday to celebrate nature in the fall.

“Visitors are invited to slow down and immerse themselves,” said Linda Groat, Colorado Parks and Wildlife program coordinator. “After the craziness of 2020, who wouldn’t enjoy the peace and quiet of a Forest Bathing Walk or time observing rutting elk?”

Early events include the Cahill Loop hike, a guided 3-mile hike discussing the history of the Cahill family. The Cahill Loop hike will be held Friday at 8:30 a.m., Oct. 9 at 10 a.m., Oct. 15 at 8:30 a.m. and Oct. 23 at 10 a.m.

The Elk Bugling 3-mile hike witnesses bull elk competing for mates into the night, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Oct. 9. And the Peak View 1.5-mile hike explores bird and pond life on Sunday and Oct. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

Other guided hikes are the Dynamite Cabin on Friday and Oct. 9, the Osborn Cabin Loop on Oct. 8, the Stoner Mill Trail on Oct. 16, Outlook Ridge on Oct. 23 and Preacher’s Hollow on Oct. 30.

“October brings cooler days and prolonged fall colors,” Groat said. “It’s a great time to enjoy the last of the aspen in gold.”

The festivities also include the park’s Fall Challenge, offering a prize to anyone who can hike all of the trails at Mueller State Park in four weeks and 12 sessions. That means over 60 miles of moderate to difficult hikes.

Guided fall challenge hikes are scheduled for Thursday, Saturday, Oct. 6, Oct. 8 and Oct. 10.

The Visitor Center will also host several Patio Talks throughout the month where naturalists discuss different nature topics. Talks begin at 2 p.m. and include the horns and antlers talk on Saturday, the aspen talk on Sunday, the elk talk on Oct. 9 and the owls talk on Oct. 11.

Other October events are workshops teaching tracking, knot tying, crafts and survival skills for kids.

All hikes and programs are limited to 15 people per group to adhere to COVID-19 regulations. Masks and social distancing are required.

The Mueller State Park events are free but cars require a $9 daily pass or $80 annual pass to enter the park.

Participants can sign up at the Mueller State Park Visitor Center by calling 719-687-2366.