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Visiting Paint Mines Interpretive Park

JULY 14, 2021

Paint Mines Interpretive Park is a Colorado hidden gem that even some lifelong natives haven’t heard of. The site is a popular draw for photographers, artists, and hikers, and it’s the kind of place that ignites instant curiosity the moment you lay eyes on it. Scrubby grassland drops into a color-rich canyon where you can wander among chalky pale rock formations ribboned with soft magenta and coppery orange bands.

Where is Paint Mines Interpretive Park?

Sometimes the best indicator that you’re headed to an unforgettable destination is the road you take to get there, and Paint Mines is no exception. Tucked away in rural El Paso County east of Colorado Springs, Paint Mines Interpretive Park is located near Calhan, Colorado on approximately 750 acres of undeveloped land. From Denver, Paint Mines is about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive. From Colorado Springs, it’s approximately 45 minutes.

Paint Mines Colorado Geology

The colorful clays within the park are the result of oxidized iron compounds. There’s evidence that Paleoindians lived among the Paint Mines territory starting nearly 9,000 years ago. These Native Americans collected these clays to make pigments for ceramics.

Paint Mines Hiking

There are 4 miles of hiking trails at Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Most of the trails in the main formations area are unmarked. If you’re looking for a longer hike, park at the northernmost parking lot, and you can take the entire 3.5-mile Paint Mines Loop Trail.

What To Know Before Visiting Paint Mines

The park is free and open to the public from dawn until dusk. To protect the delicate nature of the formations, climbing on them is prohibited. 

DO NOT bring your dog. No pets of any kind are allowed in the park. I’ve read several reviews from bummed-out dog owners who didn’t know this before going. 

If you’re not interested in a longer hike, park at the lot labeled "Overlook Parking." It’s hard to tell at first, but this is actually the most direct access to the formations. 

If you’re planning to photograph the site, it’s important to note that the colors change dramatically once the sun hits the formations. But the entire area is sunken into a low-lying canyon, so there are opportunities to photograph formations in both direct sunlight and open shade. 🤓

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Image Credits:

All Paint Mines Interpretive Park images by Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities, except the image appearing above “Where is Paint Mines Interpretive Park” by ipivorje - stock.adobe.com; Magic Town, Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, and Castlewood Canyon images by Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Nomad Goods product images courtesy of Nomad Goods; for Pin image credits, click on the corresponding Pin