Mueller State Park

 I really like the Woodland Park area (Cafe Leo has awesome coffee and terrific bagel sandwiches).  And I really like our state parks.  So I indulged both last month with my first visit to Mueller State Park.

AllTrails recommended the Rock Pond, Rock Canyon, and Outlook Ridge Trails Loop, which the ranger in the Visitor Center validated as a solid choice.  And right away, some great views presented themselves.

There were also some great smaller views, like this Edwards's Fritillary... 

...and this Lanceleaf Stonecrop.

A curious Fremont's Squirrel didn't immediately scurry off as I captured its likeness.

Wildflowers were still popping, like Fragrant Evening Primrose...

...and Prickly Wild Rose, this one also popular with pollinators.

I had been looking for lakes, but settled for several picturesque ponds.  The first was Brook Pond, where I got down on my belly to capture some wildflowers in the foreground.

The pond looks just as good in landscape view.

Some beautifully blooming Rocky Mountain Beardtongue on the way to the next pond.

Cool reflection at Rock Pond of, presumably, its namesake rock.

Geer Pond comes up third, with a nicely placed rock and wildflowers to aid in composition.

I don't mind the wind ripples breaking up the smoothness of the lake surface.  Adds some authenticity to the scene.

It's always a treat to see Columbines on hikes.  They're like the cool kids of Colorado wildflowers.

Lost Pond is the final pond, and I don't know why it has that name.  Maybe it dries up in dry seasons?

One final vista from Outlook Ridge as the clouds rolled in, then I finished up the 5.7-mile trail in a tidy 2:53.  A truly terrific hike, capped off with a stop at the aforementioned Cafe Leo for a Dirty Chai and Spicy Avo on my way home!