Moonlight Pond

Moonlight Pond sits tucked away inside Mueller State Park, one of the most underrated state parks in Colorado. Located in Teller County near the small mountain town of Divide, this backcountry pond rewards hikers willing to trek a couple of miles through dense forests and wildflower meadows at roughly 9,500 feet elevation. If you are looking for a quieter fishing spot away from the crowded Front Range reservoirs, Moonlight Pond delivers a genuinely peaceful experience surrounded by Pikes Peak granite formations and towering ponderosa pines.

Mueller State Park covers more than 5,100 acres of mixed forest, spring-fed meadows, and rocky outcroppings in the foothills west of Colorado Springs. The park maintains over 50 miles of trails that connect to several backcountry ponds, and Moonlight Pond is one of the highlights for anglers and hikers alike. Getting there requires a moderate hike through some of the park's most scenic terrain, passing through aspen groves and open meadows where elk, mule deer, and black bears are regularly spotted.

Fishing at Moonlight Pond offers a chance to catch brook trout in a self-sustaining population. Unlike the park's more accessible Dragonfly Pond, which is stocked with rainbow trout near the visitor center, Moonlight Pond provides a wilder, more remote angling experience. A valid Colorado fishing license is required, and standard state bag limits apply. The pond is best fished with small flies or lightweight spinning gear during early morning or late evening hours when trout activity peaks.

Beyond fishing, visitors come to Mueller State Park for world-class hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. Winter transforms the park into a snowshoeing and cross-country skiing destination, and camping options range from developed campsites with electric hookups to more rustic walk-in tent sites. The park's well-maintained visitor center offers maps, EV charging stations, and knowledgeable rangers who can point you toward the best trails for the season. A valid Colorado State Parks pass or daily vehicle pass is required for entry.