Mueller State Park's first overnight yurt drew an immediate surge of bookings after the Teller County park unveiled the new lodging option, with no nights left available through the structure's final operating day of the season.
Every reservation through Oct. 11 had been claimed at the time of last check, with nightly stays priced at $90. Park Manager Brian Kerrigan said the goal for this inaugural run is to "get some good data" on visitor use and maintenance demands before any decision is made about extending access into the colder months. "We are not saying it will never be open in the winter season going forward, but we are slowly wading into this venture," he said.
A defining feature of the Mueller yurt is that no vehicle can deliver guests to its door — visitors on foot or by bicycle cover about two miles to reach it, while equestrians departing from their designated trailhead travel four miles. Kerrigan described this as something he believes is unique within Colorado's state park system, where every comparable yurt facility allows vehicle access. "This maintains the quality backcountry experience at Mueller," he said.
The structure sits near the park's northwest corner amid aspen trees, drawing fall-color enthusiasts who also enjoy Pikes Peak views along a trail network that spans 44 miles — enough to fill multiple days of exploration. The park also maintains year-round campsites and three cabins.
Running on solar power and warmed by propane, the yurt sleeps five and is outfitted with a bunk bed, a futon, and an extra twin mattress; guests must bring their own bedding, while a toilet, potable water, an outdoor stove, and cooking supplies are provided on-site. Dogs are not permitted at the yurt or anywhere along Mueller's trail system.
Kerrigan described the yurt as occupying a middle ground between tent camping and a full-service cabin stay. "There is certainly a novelty to staying in a yurt that appeals to a number of people," he said.
Yurts have built a following at Colorado state parks in recent years, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife currently offering them at six other locations around the state — among them parks such as Pearl Lake, Ridgway, and Golden Gate Canyon — most of which accept bookings year-round. Mueller's version runs on a seasonal schedule from May 11 through Oct. 11, with reservations available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife at $90 per night for a maximum of five guests.
After the fall closure, the park expects to reopen the yurt the following May. Whether usage and maintenance figures from this first season lead Kerrigan to pursue year-round availability remains an open question.