Though Colorado is all about beautiful mountains and alpine goodness, Painted Mines Interpretive Park is completely different than the rest of Colorado. This place is unique and stunning. You will be able to see different colorful formations here and there are layers of colorful bands on those formations. The reason behind these colored bands is the presence of oxidized iron compounds mixed in varying amounts throughout the different layers of clay. American Indians used to collect the colorful clays to make paint from here. The name ‘Painted Mines’ came from it.
Located in the northeast section of Colorado, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park is approximately 750 acres. The main feature of the park is different kinds of formation such as sandstone-capped spires, hoodoos, colored clay, etc. The important feature of the sandstone caps that sits atop the hoodoos is to protect the clay from erosion and help to preserve the beautiful colors. More than four miles of hiking trails that rise over 500 ft in elevation will lead you to go closer to those formations. Please be cautious about the formation as they are fragile. Do not climb or scramble. It’s better to stay on the trail and enjoy the surroundings. The trail is heavily trafficked but very easy to follow. The diverse ecosystem of this park showcases badlands, wetlands, and grasslands. As a result, different wildlife such as mule deer, rabbit, coyote, horned toads, hawks, songbirds, falcons, etc. can be seen here.
The Park not only features geological and ecological features but also has archaeological and historical significance. Evidence of human life such as arrowhead and stone dart tips has been found in this park. All these things were used by the Nation American people as prehistoric and historic occupation and are more than 9000 years old. They also used clay to create and paint pottery and also for other rituals. Not only that, but the artifacts also that are found here represent the Apishapa culture, Duncan Complex, and Cody Complex. In around the 1800s, the Euro-American people settled here in this park property. Later this park was designated by the National Park Service for its significance in different areas. El Paso County Parks Department protects this land which is funded by the State Historical fund for master planning and archaeological survey. Every year hikers, geological enthusiasts, adventurers, birdwatchers come to visit this place to enjoy the spectacular landscape and the formation associated with it.
My memory of this park was quite amazing. While entering the park, the GPS was showing we are already there. But I could not see anything besides flat grasslands. I was wondering if I was in the right place or not. Then suddenly the ground opened up to a small canyon, which has eroded over time, and it was full of formation of different colors such as clayish, yellow, purple, gray, red, maroon, etc. This place was amazing. Though I expected a huge place in a bigger area from all the pictures I have seen, it was comparatively small. But the colors of the formations were really beautiful. You will be able to see the vivid colors of the rocks and clays. The only thing I feel bad about this park is that the people who were visiting especially kids as well as adults were walking, climbing everywhere. Instead of being in the trail, they were roaming around everywhere. This place consists of delicate formations, and they are fragile. If we walk or climb amongst the rock formations, it's not good for the formations. We might end up destroying something. Please be sure to adhere to the signs throughout the park that ask the visitor to stay off the rock.
At a glance
- Activity: hiking, sightseeing,
- Address: 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808
- Park Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Fee/Permit: free to enter
- Amenities: restroom in the main entrance parking area
- Contact: 719-520-7529
- Please stay on the designated trail all the time. Do not enter the Paint Mine Formations as they are very fragile, and we need to protect them. Climbing and scrambling are also prohibited here in this park.
- Please do not remove or disturb any kind of rock, plants, minerals, and historic artifacts within the park boundaries as all of these items are protected by law.
- Any pets, bicycles are not allowed in the park.
- No motorized vehicles, bicycles, or camping are allowed in this park to preserve the area.
- Check the weather condition first. If it rains, it tends to get muddy. Please avoid visiting the place in this type of condition.
- There is no shade available on the whole trail. If you are visiting during the summer month, please keep that in mind. Bring enough water and snacks. If possible, try to explore in the early morning or evening.
- Please practice leave no trace. It’s our duty and responsibility to protect this earth.