Overview
Looking east toward Pikes Peak from the "Grouse Mountain" overlook
Though a humble little hump of a hill, “Grouse Mountain” boasts a few accolades: It is the only ranked summit in the Divide quadrangle, and the only real summit in Mueller State Park. The peak affords the visitor unusual view of Pikes Peak from the west; its actual summit hidden, Pikes looks like a massive humped ridge. From the overlook south of the summit, there are neat views of Mount Pisgah as well as distant views of mighty Sawatch range and the graceful Sangre de Cristos.
“Grouse Mountain” is a great place to visit in the winter for a gentle romp through the snow to amazing views!
Rank: 2403rd highest peak in Colorado
Prominence: 463 feet
USGS Quad: Divide
Planning Map: Trails Illustrated #137 Pikes Peak | Cañon City
Rank & Prominence: Lists of John
Follow Trail #17 to Trail #16 to reach the summit of “Grouse Mountain.” The trail system in this park is very well signed.
Note: You’ve got to continue south past the non-descript summit to the overlook to enjoy the best views!
Red Tape
No doggies allowed
Park regulations
Badgers
Grouse and Turkeys
There is a fee to enter Mueller State Park. As of the end of 2013:
Day Use Fee: $7.00 per vehicle
Annual Colorado Parks Pass: $70.00
Detailed use restrictions can be seen in the photo at right. Notably, dogs and motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails and in the back country.
Mueller State Park boasts healthy population of wildlife including Bighorn Sheep, Grouse, Badgers, Elk, Mountain Lion, Wild Turkey and Black Bear. Respect the no-dog rule, which apparently is in place to protect the wildlife population!
Weather and Seasons
"Grouse Mountain" summit area
Pikes Peak from the summit
Detailed “worst case” weather information can be found by visiting the website for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. | ”Grouse Mountain” can be hiked year-round. However, during the summer months expect heavy crowds in the state park. Even in the spring and fall, when the road to the northern-most trailhead is open, the hike to this summit is barely more difficult than a trip to the grocery from the furthest parking spot. I recommend visiting “Grouse Mountain” in the winter, when the snows have prompted the state park to close the road at the Comfort Station. This makes for a peaceful snowshoe, ski or romp through the powder and much thinner crowds . |
Click for weather
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Camping and Cabins
The Crags
West side of Pikes Peak
Mount Pisgah
Sangre de Cristo views
Mueller State Park boasts a large number of campsites and cabins, as well.
Camping Fees
May 1 – September 30
•Walk-in tent site: $18
•Electric hook-up campsite: $22
•Aspen Leaf electric campsite: 19
•RV Group Campground: $242 per night
October 1 – April 30
•Walk-In tent only campsite: $16
•Electric hook-up campsite: $20
•Aspen Leaf electric campsite: $17
•RV Group Campground: $220 per night (open until October 14th)
Cabins Fees:
•Two bedroom / One bath: $140 per night (4 persons maximum)
•Three bedroom / One bath: $200 per night (6 persons maximum)
•Four bedroom / Two bath: $260 per night (8 persons maximum)
External Links
Sawatch Views
Mueller State Park Map