A look at Mueller State Park near Divide.

Description: The park is a Front Range gem, located west of Colorado Springs just outside Divide – home to the highly worthy post-hike stop Paradox Beer Co. Mueller boasts 55 miles of rugged trail, some reserved for cyclists and some for horseback riders, sloping at moderate grades through forests in Pikes Peak’s shadow. In the summer, carpets of wildflowers sprawl. In the winter, three furnished log cabins accommodate cross-country skiers, sledding families and hunters of the park’s 800-acre designated area.

Activities: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, snow tubing/sledding, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, wildlife/bird viewing, geocaching, camping.

Wildlife: Elk, mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, bears and several small mammals; golden eagles, Cooper’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, goshawk among common raptors; broad-tailed hummingbird, hair woodpecker, Steller’s jay, mountain bluebird among other birds.

Fun fact: The park is named for W.E. Mueller, who established the former Mueller Ranch that later was sold to Colorado State Parks and Wildlife.

Address: 21045 Colorado 67 South, Divide, 80814

Contact: 719-687-2366, [email protected]

Hours: Day use 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

Directions: Head west on U.S. 24 to Divide and turn south on Colorado 67. Continue 3.5 miles to park entrance on the right.

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE