Day Trip Guide to Paint Mines Interpretive Park: Unique Natural Formations Near Denver
East of Colorado Springs and south of Denver is a Colorado hidden gem of natural and colorful clay formations, located in Calhan, CO. Surrounded by farmlands, pastures, and windmills, this geological park seemingly pops up out of nowhere. If you are looking for a unique landscape day trip from Denver or Colorado Springs or an off-the-beaten-path Colorado site, Paint Mines Interpretive Park is it!
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What is Paint Mines Interpretive Park?
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is famous for its vibrant, multicolored clay formations, hoodoos, and sandstone spires, shaped by thousands of years of erosion. The park spans over 750 acres and features easy-to-moderate hiking trails, making it accessible for all skill levels. Visitors can explore the fascinating geological features while also learning about the area's Native American history through interpretive signs. Perfect for photographers, hikers, and history buffs alike, the Paint Mines provide a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases Colorado’s diverse natural landscapes.
When to Visit Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Paint Mines Interpretive Park can be visited year-round! It is open everyday, even on holidays, from sunrise to sunset. However, season and weather can certainly impact your experience, as with any place.
My personal recommendation is to visit during a dry period with no recent rain or snow. Recent snowfall can cover a lot of the colors of the formations that make this park so beautiful. Many people have reviewed that rain brings out the colors of the hoodoo’s but the trails become very muddy and difficult to walk.
I also recommend to visit the park in the morning if you can to avoid the worst of the midday heat and relentless sun in a park with little to no shade.
How to Get to Paint Mines Interpretive Park
The closest large cities with airports are Colorado Springs (37 miles) and Denver (88 miles). To get to Paint Mines Interpretive Park, a car is required.
Paint Mines is located in Calhan, CO. Depending on your route there, you will be driving on gravel/dirt roads for several miles and you may be the only car around, surrounded by farmland and passing through tiny towns that pass in a blink of an eye. This park is really in the middle of nowhere!
Even though not all roads in the area are paved, they are well-maintained. Paint Mine Rd, the road to turn into the park, is also dirt. So this is not completely avoidable.
Things to Do at Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Explore the trails
Paint Mines Interpretive Park has about 4 miles of trails through the colorful clay formations and to different viewpoints. The trails are easy to follow and are marked with clear indication of which way to go to get to the formations.
In addition, you can use the app AllTrails to follow along these trails on your phone and track your route for fun! You can find the Paint Mines trails here.
Read the interpretive displays along the trails
As you hike the trails through Paint Mines, interpretive displays are scattered about giving historical and geological information about the formations in the park. As a fanatic of learning all things about the Earth and history, this was a highlight to take the time to read.
Get a view of the park from the overlook
A shorter, easier to access trail is available from the scenic overlook parking lot. Here you can find a viewpoint above the formations to see the entire park and surrounding Colorado landscape.
You can view the trail details for this overlook on AllTrails.
Have a picnic
There is one picnic table available in the park and some benches along the start of the trails with sweeping views of the surrounding farmland. The perfect spots to stop to rest or bring along snacks to enjoy in this stunning park.
Participate in a guided hike
For a more in-depth experience at Paint Mines Interpretive Park, you can participate in a guided hike led by amazingly knowledgeable interpreters who will explain the geology, history, and ecology of the site. These hikes are up to 2 hours long and need to be scheduled ahead of time on the park website. You can read more about this option here under the “Guided Hikes” tab.
Tips & Things to Know About Visiting Paint Mines
This park is free to visit! It is open year-round, even on holidays, from sunrise to sunset.
Wear sunscreen, hats, & sunglasses. There is NO cover in this park so you’re fully exposed to the sun while you are there! Come prepared with sun protection.
Bring plenty of water. Sun exposure is going to drain you more quickly. So even if taking a short walk through the park, bring along some water to keep hydrated. There is no water source at the park.
Download the AllTrails map for offline tracking of the trails in the park. The trails are easy to follow regardless. But for some added fun of tracking your adventure, and safety of ensuring your on the right path, AllTrails in my favorite hiking app to use.
Here is the 2.1 mile loop trail I followed in Paint Mines Interpretive Park: Paint Mines Overlook via Interpretive Trail
Be cautious of uneven terrain. The trails range from dirt/gravel to sand to rocky and uneven. Sturdy shoes are advised!
If it has recently rained or snowed, you can expect the trails to be muddy, slippery, and for clay to cake up on your shoes. I highly recommend trying to plan your visit during a dry period!
Dogs and bikes are not allowed. But the park is otherwise very family friendly.
Bathrooms are available in the main parking lot at the trailhead. Bring toilet paper!
There are 3 parking lots, so parking isn’t usually an issue here:
The main, North lot on Paint Mines Rd
Scenic overlook lot with a short walk to accessible views of the park
Overflow parking lot on Paint Mines Rd E
Calhan, CO is the closest town to Paint Mines Interpretive Park and where you can find food and gas stations.
Find up to date info, updates, and rules of the park here.
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