Paint Mines Interpretive Park: The Best-Kept Secret of Colorado Springs
Out of everything we did on our trip to Colorado Springs, the Paint Mines completely stole the show for me.
I wasn’t expecting to be so wowed, but as soon as we stepped onto the trail and saw those wild pops of color and funky rock formations, I knew this spot was something special.
It honestly felt like we had stumbled into another world—right in the middle of the prairie!
This was hands-down my favorite part of our trip, and easily one of the most unique hikes in all of Colorado.
The best part? It’s super kid-friendly. The trail is mostly flat, and our kids loved weaving through the narrow paths and exploring all the twisty turns (without having to hike for miles).
Let’s dig into everything you need to know before visiting the Paint Mines–from parking to the best time to visit and how much time you should plan to spend here.
What are the Paint Mines?
The Paint Mines are vibrant clay formations located in the Paint Mines Interpretive Park.
These rock formations are so colorful they look like they could have been hand-painted! In fact, the clay was actually gathered by Native Americans to make paint for artwork and pottery.
If you want to get into the nerdy science, these geological formations include gulches, spires and hoodoos. The exposed layers are made of selenite clay and jasper and range in color from white to gold to red and pink.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park spans 750 acres with nearly 4 miles of hiking trails. Depending on the time of year, you may even see wildflowers and wildlife.
⬇️ Take a real look at our hike through the Paint Mines! ⬇️
Where are the Paint Mines Located?
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is located in the small town of Calhan, Colorado, a short 40 minute drive from Colorado Springs and 1.5 hours from Denver.
As you get closer, you may think you are in the wrong place since all you see is flat grasslands for miles, but keep going and you will discover this beautiful geological wonder!
Everything You Need to Know for Visiting the Paint Mines
There are so many people who visit Colorado and have never even heard of the Paint Mines! We hope to spread the word so more people can visit this place that really embodies “Colorful Colorado”.
To make this stop on your Colorado Springs itinerary as easy as possible, we have gathered all the information you need to know for your visit to the Paint Mines!
Where to Park
There are two parking areas I recommend with easy access.
The first is at the Paint Mines Trailhead (29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808). The second is just south and east, at the Paint Mine Upper Parking Lot (32160 Paint Mine Rd E, Calhan, CO 80808).
The trailhead would be a great place to park if you would like a longer hike overall.
The upper parking lot has a beautiful overlook and is a shorter walk to the clay formations. This is where we parked, and it was a great place to start our family hike.
Bathroom Access
There’s a single port-a-potty available at each parking area, but it’s pretty basic—so we recommend bringing your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, just in case.
We made sure all the kids used the restroom before hitting the trail, which helped avoid a premature hike back.
Hours of Operation and Admission
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk—including holidays—so you can plan your visit anytime that works for you.
Admission is completely free, which makes it an easy, budget-friendly stop for families.
→ Just a heads-up: pets aren’t allowed in the park to help protect the fragile landscape, so be sure to leave furry friends at home.
And since there’s no visitor center on site, come prepared with water, snacks, and anything else you might need during your hike.
The Best Time of Day to Visit the Paint Mines
While the Paint Mines can be enjoyed any time of day, direct sunlight can wash out the colors a bit, making them less vibrant.
If possible, visit early in the day or a couple of hours before sunset.
Tips for Hiking the Paint Mines
The full loop trail at Paint Mines is about 3.4 miles, but you don’t have to hike the entire thing to enjoy the incredible scenery.
We’d recommend planning to hike at least 1.5 miles to really experience the unique formations—though if you’re up for more, every extra step is worth it!
What made the hike extra fun for our family were the smaller offshoot trails that bring you right up close to the colorful rock formations. These little detours were some of our kids’ favorite parts to explore!
To help protect this fragile landscape, it’s important to stay on the trails and avoid climbing on the large formations. They’re beautiful, but also delicate.
The terrain can be uneven with loose sand and gravel in some areas, so sturdy shoes or hiking boots are a smart choice.
And since there’s very little shade along the trail, don’t forget your water bottles, sunscreen, and hats—especially on hot days.
Plan to spend around 2 hours here so you have plenty of time to take in the beauty of the Paint Mines. Even if you aren’t hiking the full loop, you will want plenty of time to explore and admire the formations!
Visiting the Paint Mines with Kids
Hiking the Paint Mines with kids is totally doable—and honestly, one of the most engaging hikes we did during our time in Colorado Springs.
The trail is rated easy to moderate, and while it’s not too strenuous, it isn’t paved—so strollers are a no-go. If you’re bringing a little one, a baby or toddler carrier is your best bet.
We had our kids use the port-a-potties in the parking area before we started, and we highly recommend doing the same. There are no restrooms once you’re out on the trail.
One thing to keep in mind: while the hike into the formations is mostly downhill or flat, the walk back to the car does include a bit of an uphill climb. Try head back before the kids are too worn out—it’ll make for a much happier exit!
All in all, this was one of the few hikes that truly held our kids’ attention the whole time. The colorful rocks, narrow paths, and endless places to explore made it feel more like an adventure than a hike—and that’s a big win in our book.
Note: The trail was pretty dusty and sandy, so be prepared with the right kids hiking gear, such as hiking shoes with good traction.
Is Paint Mines Interpretive Park Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Our whole family was genuinely surprised by how much we loved the Paint Mines. Our kids (ages 6 to 12) were completely into it—exploring and soaking up all the colorful formations.
With so much to see and paths to wander, time flew by—and we didn’t hear a single complaint about being ready to leave. (And all the parents said “Amen!”)
The Paint Mines easily landed in my top two favorite things we did during our Colorado trip, and we’ll definitely include it in our Colorado Springs itinerary the next time we go back.
If you visit, I’d love to hear what you think! You can always reach out in our free Facebook group—happy hiking!
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- Paint Mines Interpretive Park: The Best-Kept Secret of Colorado Springs
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