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This is an AMAZING state park in Colorado. Only note to say up front: I came on Fri 9/6/25 and it was SOOOO windy and COLD. I was tremendously underdressed, and the ripping wind was making my nose run and eyes water. Nevertheless! This park is a lovely place to walk around or take pics (in fact I saw a couple taking what looked like engagement photos here, and I KNOW they're gonna turn out amazing. The formations are incredible and so very colorful to look at, plus the surroundings are so idyllic, peaceful, and green. If you walk the entire park it's actually several miles since most of the trails wrap around or form loops. It is about 1 hr drive outside of Colorado Springs, and the only bathroom I saw was a single stall toilet with no sink (only hand sanitizer, like in a national park). There was a gravel lot for a good part of the drive off the main road, and the lot is also a gravel lot. It's got plenty of space, though. Def would rec a visit if you're trying to take in the sights in and around CO springs, this park is super cool!
I found out about this place through a book that I got called 50 hikes with kids Colorado. As someone who is a mom to a 1-year-old and 3-year-old I definitely agree that this is a great hike to do with kids! It is also nice because it is one you can do all year long! I like to often try to do the hikes outside of the mountain areas in the winter since I can still bring the whole family and they don't need any special gear. This place felt like a natural playground. My kids were absolutely obsessed with exploring the area. It is such a unique hike. The colors of the rocks are very beautiful. I think it is worth going a bit out of your way to see! It was not very crowded either. One thing to be aware of is that it can get muddy and icy during the wintertime. As long as the conditions aren't muddy you could bring a stroller the paths are wide! No horses, bikes, or dogs allowed on the trail.
This is a pretty unique park. I haven't ever seen anything like it in my life so I'm glad I went. It's quite a drive from Co Springs though. It isn't a very large park but still requires a good bit of walking. It's a half mile to get to the entrance from the parking lot. There are options to take a few trails around the area. It's in a rolling plains grassland area that was a gorgeous and peaceful drive. While it's unique it was a bit underwhelming compared to some of the larger parks around Co Springs. I am not upset I went but it wouldn't be a place I visited again. We'd already done everything else on the itinerary and this was free so it was okay. I just wouldn't skip any of the main attractions in town to see this one.
It's is about and 1.5 hour drive from north Denver so, we wanted to make it worth it. We arrived on a Sunday which according to the staff that was at the entrances of the paths, Sunday is the busiest day. You can select multiple hike options. We chose the short loop into the longer loop but if you just want to see the mines you can walk right from the parking lot. The staff was also in the mines and shared some information with us about the history. It was definitely cool to see but, kind of a far way to go from Denver for the short time it takes to walk through them.
Don't trust AllTrails on this one, as it's really outdated. Unfortunately, lots of areas are closed due to revegetation growth or other issues. The parts you can actually explore are pretty cool. Not sure we'll come all the way back, but it's a pretty easy, family-friendly trail. There is one picnic table near the bathrooms at the main parking lot.
Absolutely check it out! It was really fun to see everything. We got there around 10am and the parking lot still had plenty of space. The path is gravel as well although I do recommend shoes with grip since there are muddy spots still. There is no real shade on this path at all so come prepared. The scenery is truly beautiful though.
We hiked around here for a few hours and it was a quick drive from COS. It is definitely worth the drive to spend some time here. I walked all of the major loops and around the main formations. The trails are easy and low-stress/low-intensity. I recommend parking by the main formation and walking the trail down into it (you'll see two paths on the maps that dead-end: those are the two you want to do). This is the fastest way to see the most colorful and entertaining parts of the park. As you walk around, you'll see stone millions of years old layered in different colors. The crumbling pieces turn into a lot of pillars, wavy designs, and what look like (but I wouldn't call them this) miniature caves. There's a lot of interesting geometry in there highlighted by the natural colors. There weren't many animals when we were there, but weI did see a few caterpillars, random bugs, rabbits, and birds. If you run to the rear-most loop (which I don't recommend, it wasn't worth the walk) you can see 2 smaller formations with a lot less color. The highlight of this walk, which added at least a mile, was there were some birds making R2D2-type sounds where there were no trees: they were hiding in the grass, almost taunting you as you pass by. We also walked from the main (the first one coming in from the town) parking lot to the main formations, but there wasn't much to see for that leg of the walk. It was a good trail though and had some decent elevation changes. There was another back loop that maybe had one formation, but we didn't walk that. The park is well-kept and I hardly saw any litter. The worst part was there were people walking all over the formations, even though the signs clearly state not to and that they are fragile. Even the trails that went directly through the formations were closer than I expected them to be, almost inviting people to walk everywhere. They had some bathrooms, but they are the basic hole-in-the-ground type that usually intimidate or gross out small kids. No bikes are allowed.
Finally made it to Paint Mines today on Father's Day (2021). Have heard so much about this place for years. What took so long was I had kept asking myself. Well, while I wasted my time by making all kinds of excuses as to why I hasn't go there sooner I had a sigh of relief now that I was able to scratch one of the things off of my big bucket list. I had always imagined that this place was in the middle of a desert. I was surprised to find it being surrounded by lots of green however. Yes, like others have commented about it, this place is not shaded so if you go there during the warmer/hot months make sure to bring lots of water. If you park at the main parking lot, you have access to most of the major points of interest as they are accessible on foot (only if you don't mind walking up to two miles one way.) I only spent one hour in the park (from about 9am to a little past 10am); that was all I needed to see about 60 to 70% of the park. With that said, you only half day for a nice outdoor experience in this one of the hidden gems in Colorado.
New year means new places to explore! Luckily in Colorful Colorado we have roughly a billion at our disposal. I'm not experienced doing snowshoe hikes, so I wanted to find an easy spot to walk around, breath in fresh air, and see something cool. Paint Mines checked those winter boxes! You drive up to the entrance of the park via a bumpy, dirt road (like most awesome spots in Colorado). Cars weren't allowed in the lot, but you could park next to it on the sides of the main road. There is, in fact, a single use bathroom, Just don't get your hopes up, this isn't the Ritz Carlton. There are two routes you can take, which lead to the same place. When you come to the fork, make a right, not left like we did. Not the end of the world, but not much to see sans two descriptive signs speaking to the archaeology and ecology of the park. Learn from my blunder, go right and you'll start seeing the cool stuff much more quickly! There they are, painted mines. I've never seen anything like them before. The colors are remarkable. When you step back to get an aerial view, seeing the straight flat lines of different colors are something to behold. The cool thing is you can get up close and personal. There are various NO CLIMBING signs, though it's often unclear what you can or cannot climb. It was a nice day (high 40s) so we walked the majority of the loop. If it was summer, I'd skip the walk since there's zero shade and there's not much else to see. Would totally recommend coming here and seeing the mines for themselves. Without question, one of the more unique spots I've been to!
On our way home from a week in Colorado, we stopped here, and it was so worth the couple miles out of the way. Wonderful rock colors and formations. It's a bit of a hike at roughly a mile and change tonsee it all, but our 14 month old twins held up great. We were able to take a little break from driving, had a picnic, and saw some wonderful sights that this amazing planet of ours has to offer!
Last year, we took a trip down to Colorado Springs to celebrate our anniversary. After perusing the magical Instagram, we stumbled across some incredible photos of a place we'd never heard of - Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Wild streaks of color ran through the rocks, photos of windblown dresses covered the page and we knew we needed to check it out. The Paint Mines are 37 miles from the center of Colorado Springs, and seemingly in the middle of nowhere. We drove through fields of windmills that spun wildly in the racing wind, which made for a bit of a dizzying navigation. Once we got to the parking lot, we pulled on our jackets, tightened the hood strings and hiked about an eighth of a mile until we could see the spectacle. It's a lot smaller than the angles of the pictures online make it appear, but still absolutely stunning. Bands of pinks, purples and rusty oranges weave through the clay - originally used by the American Indians in the area to create paint. There were a handful of Instagram influencers there, aiming for the best shot, as well as a few photographers undoubtedly capturing engagement photos over the cliffs. We wandered through the canyon, enjoying the reprieve from the blistering winds, and explored the colorful nooks and crannies for about an hour until we felt like we had absorbed as much beauty as we could handle with the temperatures as low as they were. The lack of crowds was pleasant and, though the space was smaller than anticipated, the dazzling saturation of color made it worth the trip.
4 years ago
Mmm mmm mmm, Colorado--you gots a tasty landscape. Finally checked out the Paint Mines this weekend and cannot (WILL NOT!) shut up about them. This place could make even the most indoorsy person want to lace up their hiking boots and soak in the great outdoors. Added bonus: for some reason most of my Colorado native friends hadn't heard of this place, so it's an awesome little hidden gem. The paint mines are located in Calhan, about an hour and a half away from Denver. Aside from these gorgeous Paint Mines and the county fair that was going on when I was there, I have *no* idea what else there is to do in Calhan. From the looks of it there are a few country bars and a restaurant or two, but I would hold out for Castle Rock if you're making a day trip out of it and looking for options. The Paint Mines themselves are on a dirt road that's kind of in the middle of nowhere, but there's a sign and a parking lot so you know you've arrived. There are bathrooms in the parking lot. Clean bathrooms? I'm not sure and I'm not making any promises, but bathrooms nonetheless. There's a short, easy hike from the lot to the mines and then BAM! You're smack in the middle of some of the raddest landscape you've ever seen. The colors and shapes feel sort of like another planet--make sure to bring your camera, 'cause this stuff is very Instagram-worthy. My friends and I came here later in the day (like 7 pm), which was good for me because I'm a pale baby and there's NO SHADE in this park. If you're wanting to go earlier, I would suggest not going in the heat of summer, but definitely go!! read more
How breathtakingly picturesque is this place! I've only been once, but would certainly come back. We explored around late morning/early afternoon. There were about four other vehicles parked, but it's so spacious it felt very tranquil and private. There's an outhouse just before the trail along with a garbage disposal. I must say the entire area was very clean and felt truly happy no jerk offs came and graffitied the area. Not a single piece of litter! Please if you come, keep it this clean. There are a few inclines/declines along the paths. If you have trouble walking, it might not be ideal, but at a slow pace I'd deem it achievable. The paths are mostly gravel, some sand. A stroller could be brought, but parents better have strength to make it the entire way and back! The landscape is just truly remarkable. There are placards with information throughout, take the time to read them to better appreciate what you're snap chatting ;) read more
6 years ago
This place is in the middle of nowhere. We thought our directions were wrong. But, in fact, it's off a gravel road. Nice trails & interesting artifacts. If you've never been to the Painted Desert, this will impress you. But, after going there, this was just a mini version of it. read more
6 years ago
Such a beautiful place to spend a day. Cool history. There is a bathroom prior to entering and a gas station near to grab water. read more
6 years ago
Really pretty. It's a fun easy hike but there is not a lot of shade so bring lots of water. read more
3 years ago
Beautiful natural park unlike any others. Wonderful coloring and formations. Several trails to wander about and lots of rabbits scatting about. Take the long trail for striking views of all the prairie and surrounding areas. There are 3 parking lots, but only one has bathrooms. There are no food choices in Calhan after 8pm. So if you plan to see the sunset, also plan to eat beforehand or to eat in Falcon (closest town with a few food establishment on the way to Colorado Springs). VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE LOCALS DON'T TAKE BETTER CARE OF THIS PARK. It is obvious that people don't respect the rules. Do they ever? There is tons of dog s**t all over the walking path, as well as droves of teenagers climbing and jumping from one rock formation to the next. I was truly hoping someone would fall and break their neck, but unlucky me, they didn't. Everyone escaped with their skins. So disappointing! Calhan does not have much to offer to any visitor. No food, not much history, not much to do...so one would think that they'd make darn sure to preserving the ONLY attraction they have in town that could potentially bring them some business! But I guess they don't care enough about their natural gems to have a ranger (or a volunteer group) to go out and enforce the park's rules. It is a sad, sad world the one where people destroy what nature took millennia to create! I hate people! read more
I can't remember where i found out about this park, but when i found out that it was like a mini bryce canyon here in colorado, i knew we had to go. The location is east of colorado springs, about 45 minutes. Just a little on a dirt road, but passable by most any vehicles. Most of the information says take any parking lot and take any route.. I disagree. Park at the first parking lot, take the path, take the first right, when you reach the formation, take the path through the formations, when you reach the other end, pass the uphill route and visit as many formations as you wish. Then return to the branch that went up the hill, if you want to have a full 4 mile loop, go up the hill, when you reach the path to the second parking lot, go the opposite way. enjoy the path and some smaller formations, you will eventually reach where you originally went into the formations. There is usually a breeze up on the higher portions, but lower in the formations it can get stuffy and hot! Bring enough water for at least a 4 mile hike, hat and sun screen. Signs say no pets, bikes or horses. With no shade it is probably a good idea to not to bring them anyway! All in all an amazingly beautiful location, lots to see and enjoy! read more
7 years ago
This is a cool place that seems to be literally in the middle of nowhere! Right now in winter there is snow, ice, and MUD so be sure to wear boots. Most of the trails are dirt so I am sure in the summer you could get away with a pair of sneakers. The overall trails felt easy enough for beginners, although there are some inclines so if you are not in very good shape, you might feel the burn. You definitely want to wear sunscreen as there is no shade. It is an open space! Check the wind advisory beforehand too. It can be brutal if it is already chilly out. The rock formations though are really neat. Again, they seem to come out of nowhere. I actually even liked the gigantic windmills too. Parking was easy and the trail was marked on which direction to go in to see the rock formations. There is a unisex bathroom (kind of gross but it is basically an outhouse and when you gotta go, who cares) at the entrance of the park as well. Once you get onto the trail headed towards the rocks, things get a little froggy on which path to stay on but because of the open space it is fairly easy to see which direction a trail leads off to. Just make sure to study the map beforehand because it is essentially an eight figure trail that loops around for a total of six miles or so. Phone service is spotty if you are using a trail app. read more
In love with this place. So glad it's not more widely distributed. We came out here for a hike one day we had off. We thought for awhile that we got lost, but nope. If you think you're about to roll up on someone's house, you're right. Everything here is free. And it's generally not busy. I just loved wandering around. We were only there for two hours, and I can't wait to go back by myself so I can stay longer. There isn't a lot around. So, definitely bring your own food, water, etc. http://adm.elpasoco.com/CommunityServices/ParkOperations/Pages/PaintMinesInterpretivePark.aspx read more
10 years ago
Last minute decision on our last full day in Colorado that was well worth it. It is short but uphill hike to the formations but there is beautiful scenery to look at while walking. Once you get to the formations there is so much to see! Would recommend fitting it into your schedule, especially since it's one of the free parks. read more
6 years ago
14 years ago
White, red, pink and orange hued sandstone features carved by mother nature. An interesting and gorgeous area worth spending part of a day exploring. http://adm.elpasoco.com/Parks/Documents/StoryofthePaintMines.pdf http://www.summitpost.org/paint-mines/479400 There is minimal shade so a spring or fall (heck maybe even winter) visit seems optimal. Sunscreen, water and a hat are mandatory. Primitive facilities in the parking lot and a handful of picnic tables for lunch. The two links supplied say everything that could be said. Check it out. read more
6 years ago
8 years ago
This spot is off the beaten path but worth the drive for the other worldly views. A short hike and you are at this amazing spot. The colors are stunning. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was not at all busy. There are some longer routes and shorter routes depending on your hiking interest. read more
Being a native I never knew this existed. I would recommend coming early in the day or later afternoon to get the best pictures and colors. Dress in layers as parts are exposed and windy while other parts are protected and warm. read more
6 years ago
Very beautiful. Beyond expectation, considering it is county level free park. Very windy there and has a wind energy farm close to it. So remember to bring a jacket when you go. read more
6 years ago
4 years ago
9 years ago
This is a hidden gem! I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere when my gps told me I was 2 minuets away, I thought I must had typed in the wrong address but then out of nowhere I look down and it was like a mini colorful Grand Canyon! Such a fun easy walk/hike down. There was a little snow and it was a little muddy, but we had the whole palace to ourselves! It's probably a pretty popular place in the summer time, but either way i highly recommend it. read more
4 years ago
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10 years ago
Such a cool hidden gem! Don't skip the hike just make sure you check the weather before heading out that way! read more
7 years ago
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9 years ago
The drive here isn't so bad. It's kind of out in the middle of no where. But the whole area is very pretty. Based on some reviews from different websites, it says no dogs allowed. However, last time I went there were several hiking groups that brought their dog along. I guess as long as you clean up after your dog, then maybe its okay? read more
More info about Paint Mines Interpretive Park
29950 Paint Mine Rd
Calhan, CO 80808
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(719) 520-7529
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http://www.awayfromthegrind.com/hiking/colorado/paint-mines-interpretive-park/
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Paint Mines Interpretive Park - parks - Updated May 2026
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