Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
4.5
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Hours: Dawn To Dark, 365 days a year. NO PETS!!! Admission is Free! Located in the northeast section of the County near Calhan with approximately 750 acres. The paint mines have evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago. The colorful clays were used by Native Americans. The park features fantastic geological formations including spires and hoodoos that were formed through erosive action that created incised gullies and exposed layers of seienite clay and jasper. The park includes a restroom facility, four miles of trails, interpretive signage, and many natural wonders.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- ckvp1Miramar, Florida203 contributionsPainted Mines hikeAbout a 40 minute drive from Colorado Springs but so worth it. We spent approximately 2 hours wandering around the mines. The colors were fantastic against an amazing blue sky. Peaceful, quiet and just a wonderful place to visit.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 June 2024
- YayaFranklin, Tennessee78 contributionsMust seeA bit out of the way, whether you’re visiting Denver or Colorado Springs, but it is 100% worth the drive. When you arrive, go to the outlook parking area for easiest access to the paint mines. It’s impressive from a distance but the closer you can get, the more amazing it is. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so beautiful. If you come in the summer, it is HOT and there is minimal to no shady areas - wear a hat, avoid going during the hottest time of day, and bring water. You won’t regret visiting!Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 June 2024
- Cherry_WonderdogNew England4,999 contributionsUnique, isolated, and pulchritudinous!Driving to the Paint Mines Interpretive Park felt like driving off course into barren farmland. Once we arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect. From the road, it didn’t seem like much. But as soon as we made the trek down the slope and into the area of discovery, there was far more than a mere semblance of pulchritude. The geological formations were unlike any that Cherry Wonderdog had seen before. Such a colorful display, with winding pathways, secret tunnels, and mini-mountains of uncovered history from millions of years of compacted soil opened their arms for 21st century humans to gaze within. Definitely worth a visit!Visited October 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
262 reviews
Excellent
170
Very good
79
Average
7
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Andrea
13 contributions
Jun 2022
Amazing geological area. Intense colors, amazing shapes, I have never, ever seen anything remotely like this. Intensely hot and almost no shade - be wise, bring literally a gallon of water, wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Paths are well maintained and easy to find. This is a MUST DO in the Castle Rock area.
Written 16 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel L
Dallas, TX5 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
I visited Paint Mines in November 2020. When I arrived, I parked on the (unpaved) road at the north entrance to the park. The very place where Google Maps drops you off. The parking lot was closed as it was under construction. There was a bathroom building there though, which was nice.
There were no real signs indicating which was the way to the mines, so I followed the most obvious path to the east/northeast. This path took me approximately 2 miles out of the way. Through the prairie, over hill and dale. I finally reached the mines and saw people there who had obviously arrived another way (there were only two other cars where I parked). After inquiring, I learned there was another parking lot. A parking lot located about 500 feet from the mines. Cool.
So back to the mines, they were beautiful. I was there midday, but I would recommend going around sunset if you really want spectacular views and photographs.
This spot is out of the way, but worth seeing. Especially if you have any interest in geology or history.
Oh, and I identified a more direct path back to the car from the mines. It delivered me to a very roughly beaten path that would have started at the bathroom building.
I’m giving this destination four stars as it was pretty damn spectacular. But the path and guidance along the way left much to be desired.
There were no real signs indicating which was the way to the mines, so I followed the most obvious path to the east/northeast. This path took me approximately 2 miles out of the way. Through the prairie, over hill and dale. I finally reached the mines and saw people there who had obviously arrived another way (there were only two other cars where I parked). After inquiring, I learned there was another parking lot. A parking lot located about 500 feet from the mines. Cool.
So back to the mines, they were beautiful. I was there midday, but I would recommend going around sunset if you really want spectacular views and photographs.
This spot is out of the way, but worth seeing. Especially if you have any interest in geology or history.
Oh, and I identified a more direct path back to the car from the mines. It delivered me to a very roughly beaten path that would have started at the bathroom building.
I’m giving this destination four stars as it was pretty damn spectacular. But the path and guidance along the way left much to be desired.
Written 27 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Icarus4335
Colorado Springs, CO806 contributions
May 2021
Really nice hiking area if you're willing to drive a little out of the way. About 40-45 minutes from Colorado Springs, this isn't the biggest park, but the "paint mine" formations are amazing. They have several miles of trails and because of the hills, you will get a pretty good workout. My suggestion is to park at the southern parking lot at the top of the hill (labeled on the signs as the overlook parking lot) because it will be easier to get into the main area. If you park at the main lot, you have about a half mile walk up a large hill first. Definitely bring water and good shoes/boots to hike. They do have a bathroom on site at the main parking lot, if needed.
As a side note, please follow the rules and DO NOT touch the formations. There were signs posted about not climbing, etc. but unfortunately lots of people still let their kids climb on them, potentially damaging the rock formations.
As a side note, please follow the rules and DO NOT touch the formations. There were signs posted about not climbing, etc. but unfortunately lots of people still let their kids climb on them, potentially damaging the rock formations.
Written 23 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valentina M
New London37 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
To tell the truth I was not impressed with this place. If you just want to look at the painted rocks just go right from parking lot and you will see rocks. We went long way all around, spend 2 hours just to see ricks at the end of our loop. The rocks are beautiful, the hike is boring. Don’t waste your time on it. Just go straight to the rocks, take pictures and go explore other beautiful places.
Written 23 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Omni F
Whitsett, NC223 contributions
Jan 2022
Take the time to drive out to this location. Previous reviews mentioned the dirt road but don't be concerned. The dirt is so firmly packed, with only a couple of minor washboard areas, but possibly smoother than many of the paved roads in the state (sorry Colorado). Most of the trails are paved so it's very easy to walk around and see the wonders of Mother Nature. While this site isn't very large, it was definitely worth the trip.
Written 26 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RYC88
Centreville, VA1,353 contributions
Jul 2022
It's a county park, so we weren't expecting all that much, but it was fabulous. The wonderful colors of the rocks in this unassuming area in the the middle of a plain - wow! The neatest thing about it was that the primary color was white, so it was this bleached white with amazing pink, yellow, orange, and purple. Just gorgeous! Neat formations, too, with all these cool rocks and hoodoos. Super interesting and different that all the blues and greens in the mountains. Really helpful and interesting volunteers, too, who could answer any questions and were so passionate about the area. A must see, for sure!
Written 10 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1moreinthebucket
Greenwood Village, CO224 contributions
Apr 2020 • Couples
Calling this a hike might be a stretch- it’s more
Like a walk and I recommended it to my healthy 70 year old parents. Basically you walk down a wide path (plenty of space for social distancing) to the beautiful rock formations. They are stunning!!!! The colors are rich and vivid and amazing in photographs. The upside is that it is unique, different and special- something you don’t see every day in Colorado. The downside is that people don’t obey the signs. I’m not assertive enough to tell people to get off the rocks, but it is really disturbing to see kids and parents climbing all over the rock structures that are fragile and falling apart. Please people- do NOT DESTROY THIS PARK. Stay on the trail, don’t walk on the fragile structures.
Like a walk and I recommended it to my healthy 70 year old parents. Basically you walk down a wide path (plenty of space for social distancing) to the beautiful rock formations. They are stunning!!!! The colors are rich and vivid and amazing in photographs. The upside is that it is unique, different and special- something you don’t see every day in Colorado. The downside is that people don’t obey the signs. I’m not assertive enough to tell people to get off the rocks, but it is really disturbing to see kids and parents climbing all over the rock structures that are fragile and falling apart. Please people- do NOT DESTROY THIS PARK. Stay on the trail, don’t walk on the fragile structures.
Written 15 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX3,441 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This place is literally in the middle of nowhere. We thought our GPS was taking us the wrong way but there it was. There are several miles of trails you can take but to honest some of them aren't really all that pretty. We hiked the dry river bed and I was not impressed. There are 2 parking lots...one is the overlook and the other is the main parking lot. If you just want to see the painted rocks then Park at the overlook and walk down from there. All the pretty parts of the park are right there. I wish I had known this...we did a lot of hiking and saw nothing. The park is free. No gift shop or drinks. They do have a bathroom though. Be sure to bring plenty of water. We got a bit dehydrated and we had 2 large bottles. Definitely worth a stop.
Written 7 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DGG301
Denver, CO155 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We went to the Paint Mines on a beautiful 70 degree day in March. Perfect temperature to explore although a little windy, so we still needed a light jacket. Be prepared with good hiking shoes or boots as there are some areas that can be muddy. There is a restroom in the north parking area and also be aware there is not much shade anywhere along the trails. To do the full trail loop plus time to explore was about 2 hours total.
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
meezer3
Chicago, Illinois1,274 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
This is a off the road Park we would never had known about if a local hadn't told us about it. We had all flown into Colorado Springs from Chicago, for a big family occasion, ... My Granddaughter and her new husband had some of their wedding images taken here. If the weather had been less windy I would have gotten more images, but being it was March I wasn't complaining. I got to stay behind in a warm car.
The Park reminded me so much of the Badlands, just a smaller version. The colors and erosion very similar. There drive took about 20 minutes or so. About 60 miles from Colorado Springs.
There are several areas to Park at along the road and no fees, either to park or for admission.
Paths criss cross the Park to different locations.
I would suggest rugged hiking shoes and jeans.. not high heels and a wedding gown. Lol. But that made the rugged rural feel and images much more special.
The Park reminded me so much of the Badlands, just a smaller version. The colors and erosion very similar. There drive took about 20 minutes or so. About 60 miles from Colorado Springs.
There are several areas to Park at along the road and no fees, either to park or for admission.
Paths criss cross the Park to different locations.
I would suggest rugged hiking shoes and jeans.. not high heels and a wedding gown. Lol. But that made the rugged rural feel and images much more special.
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! Getting their from New Mexico road are safe for long rv 39 feet long?
Written 2 August 2024
We'll be passing by next summer, but we'll be towing a travel trailer. Is there a large enough parking area to accommodate a camper?
Written 28 August 2023
Yes, definitely! The roads to get there are nicely paved as well, there is a bit of time on chip gravel, but its very short, and flat as well. Its well worth it, the parking lot would be easy to pull in and turn around to get out as well!
Enjoy your trip! Safe travels!
Written 29 August 2023
We plan to go just before Christmas. Which parking lot will get us to the heart of the park the quickest? Kids are 4 and 6, we don’t want them to be tucker out before they get to the formations. Thank you
Written 17 December 2022
My kids are age 1, 3, 5, and 7. The 1 year old will be carried. In particular for my 3 year old what trails would you recommend that would be most "bang for your buck". Want to see as much of the best formations but without the super rigorous hikes. Also how long should we plan to be there? They day we will be there there is 50% chance of thunderstorms so trying to plan in advance for it. Thanks.
Written 7 August 2019
We spent less an hour there, and you can see a lot from the ridge, all of the trails are nice but unpaved and I'd recommend a backpack or some other baby carrier where you wear the baby. Three year-olds should be able to handle the trails, check all trails for more info.
Written 3 August 2024
Are there any poisonous snakes to watch out for such as rattlesnakes?
Written 22 July 2019
My husband is about to have knee replacement so can’t walk far without pain. Is it possible to enjoy the park from the car and short walks?
Written 9 April 2019
I would not recommend the paint mines for anyone who is unable to walk far. Actually in the mine area the paths are quite uneven so not suitable for a wheel chair. The path over the field towards the mines is quite level but is also up and down so would be hard to push a wheelchair unless you are strong!!!
Written 9 July 2019
We are coming into Denver and would like to drive down to see the Painted Mines. We have time for a short hike - under an hour round trip. Where’s the best place to start to see a lot of it in such a short time?
Written 31 December 2018
Start at the entrance on top the hill or the middle entrance and go from there . They have 3 entrances so the second one on top the hill is best alsonthe most picturesque entrance to the park
Written 1 January 2019
What time should I get there and did you just GPS it? I would like to see it at sunrise as well.
Written 10 August 2018
Yes, we used GPS. Go in the morning when it’s not so hot, take water, park on the second lot.
Written 11 August 2018
Can you do an ATV ride or tour?
Written 24 June 2018
No. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail.
Written 22 October 2018
Can you see quite a lot of the area by/from the car? My friend cannot walk long distances.
Written 21 June 2018
If you park in the second lot, you can walk to the edge of the hill and view quite a bit from there. It isn't real close, but it's very doable.
Written 22 June 2018
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