Starlight Pond sits within Mueller State Park near the town of Divide in Teller County, a well-maintained Colorado state park perched high in the Rockies at roughly 9,500 feet of elevation. The pond itself is reachable via the Rock Pond Lake trail, an out-and-back route of approximately five miles with about 800 feet of elevation gain. Visitors who have returned to this area for nearly two decades describe it as one of the most serene and pristine parks in the state, with dense forests, open meadows, mountain panoramas, and reliable wildlife sightings including elk, fox, and an impressive variety of birds.
Hiking is the main draw at Starlight Pond and the surrounding Mueller State Park trail system. Multiple well-marked trails range from easy meadow walks to challenging climbs through varied terrain, and even during peak tourist season it is common to hike several miles without encountering another person. The Elk Meadow Trail is a popular choice that delivers mountain views, dense tree cover, and open valley scenery in a single outing, with an option to loop past the pond on the return leg. Staff at the visitor center are friendly and knowledgeable, and the center itself features interpretive displays worth a stop before or after a hike. The visitor center closes at 4 PM, so plan accordingly if you need firewood or park information.
Camping at Mueller State Park is a top-tier experience in Teller County. The campground offers both RV hookups with 30-amp electric service and tent camping sites, many of them pull-through for easy parking. Sites are well-spaced among the trees, providing shade and a sense of privacy even when the park is busy. Amenities include coin-operated showers, laundry facilities, a playground, a dump station, bear boxes at walk-in sites, and clean restrooms. Reservations are strongly recommended because sites book up quickly. Walk-in tent sites include fire pits, flat gravel pads, and bear-proof storage, and wheelbarrows are provided to haul gear from the parking area. Winter camping is available though visitors note that snow plowing at individual sites could be improved.
Bird watching is excellent throughout the park, and the picnic areas are well-situated with scenic table placements. Dogs are not permitted on hiking trails due to wildlife protection policies, though leashed dogs can walk the paved park roads. The grocery store in nearby Divide and the shops and restaurants in Woodland Park provide convenient resupply options. A state park pass is required for entry and must be purchased at the main gate. Cell service is available throughout the campground. Fall visitors are rewarded with stunning foliage, and sunset photography from the higher viewpoints is a favorite activity among returning guests. The elevation can make physical exertion more demanding, so hikers arriving from lower altitudes should pace themselves on the trails.