This is the ultimate trail fix, with the emphasis on "fix." When I've had an overwhelming week, I throw my snowshoes in the car and head for Mueller State Park for a stress-relieving hike. This park, perched in the montane life zone, is just minutes from my house, but I would make the trip even if the drive were longer.

Mueller offers 50 miles of trails that wind along forested hillsides. It's one of the newer state parks and in the summer attracts campers from around the country who swear its terrain rivals Rocky Mountain National Park's.

Before it became one of Colorado's 43 state parks, Mueller was a collection of ranches. Today, trails pass the remnants of homestead and prospectors' cabins, cross marshy areas where elk graze and roll along through stands of aspens, pines, firs and spruce.

Wildlife is plentiful: Golden eagles nest here, and trails are often shared with elk and mule deer. In the summer, the park attracts mountain bikers, horseback riders and hikers. But in the winter, it is a playground for snowshoers and cross-country skiers who appreciate the easy access as well as the snow.

The trails all start off the park's main road, which is paved and plowed. Most winter days, I feel like I have the park to myself, and on a recent weekend, I broke trail, plunging in to my knees in the deepest spots (that was with snowshoes - I didn't test the snow depth without them).

Mueller State Park

* Where: Near Divide, west of Colorado Springs.

* To get there: From Denver, take I-25 south to Colorado Springs. Take the U.S. 24/Manitou Springs exit. Stay on 24 through Woodland Park. At the town of Divide, turn left on Colorado 67. In four miles, watch for the entrance to Mueller on your right. It's about a half-hour's drive from Colorado Springs.

* Watch for: Elk, black bear, mule deer, mountain lions, badgers, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, great- horned owls, mountain chickadee.

* Difficulty of hike: Depends on length. The park's average elevation is 9,600 feet; few trails are level. One of my favorites - a loop that connects Homestead, Black Bear and Osborne Homestead - is about three miles and is rated moderate. For a longer trek, try the six-mile Cheesman Ranch loop in the northern part of the park.

* Details: $6 per car entrance fee; dogs are not allowed on trails; not handicapped-accessible. Pick up a map at the visitor center or download one at the park Web site. Take your sleds, too, and check out the park's designated sledding hills. If you want to stay overnight, there's a trio of luxury cabins that are open year-round.

* More information: Mueller State Park, 719-687-2366; parks.state.co.us

Deb Acord is the author of Biking Colorado's Front Range, Happy Trails and Colorado Winter: Activities, Trails and Tips.