Editor’s Note: This is a regular monthly column from Colorado Parks and Wildlife about recreation opportunities at Mueller State Park.

By Anna Urban

An eclectic variety of programs are being offered in July. Pick your favorite activity or try something new. Whether you enjoy traditional outdoor activities like hiking, fishing or archery; or something different like drawing, music and yoga we have a program for you.

The big event this month is the annual Outdoor Skills Day happening on July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free with a park pass and family friendly. Remember to bring sun protection, snacks and a water bottle so you’re ready to spend a fun day outside.

Bring some cash for hot dogs. This year hot dogs will be available for a donation of however much you can spare. Money raised will go to purchasing Track Chairs, off road mobility devices, for the park which will allow people with disabilities to explore our trails. Thank you to Trails and Open Space Coalition who is also helping us fundraise for this special project.

Activities will be located near multiple parking lots within the park including; Dragonfly, Visitor Center, Livery, Outlook Ridge, Bootlegger and Elk Meadow. Park at any of these lots then use the shuttle, donated by the town of Cripple Creek, to access other areas.

Enjoy popular yearly stations like archery, clay pigeon shooting with shotguns, geocaching, animal trivia, fly fishing and smores making.

This year 50 kids fishing poles will be up for grabs on a first come, first serve basis at Dragonfly Pond during the event.

We’re excited to welcome Teller County Search and Rescue who will display some of their rescue tools and chat about hiking safety. Natural Grocers will also be here with some healthy trail snack samples. The Mobile Earth and Space Observatory will join us once again too.

New this year, our rangers will show off their vehicles. See how they patrol the park in different seasons using various vehicles like a side by side, truck and Ebike.

Don’t forget to stop by the Used Outdoor Gear Sale to support the Friends of Mueller State Park. Funds raised go back to projects that improve the visitor experience and education programs.

Thank you to these organizations who help make this event great. A big thanks to the organizations who donate funds or prizes as well including: Team Telecycle, South Platte Fly Shop, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, COTREX, Walmart and Starbucks. This event wouldn’t be the same without all of your support.

To sign up for events or check out our full event calendar go to https://cpw.state.co.us/events.

Use the ‘filter by park’ box to find Mueller events. Note not all programs require advance registration. If registration is required it is clearly marked on the website for each event.

The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For current conditions call the Visitor Center at 719-687-2366.