The drive to Paint Mines Colorado heads east from Colorado Springs, past the edge of the city and out onto the open plains where wind turbines spin lazily against a wide Colorado sky. Pavement gives way to gravel roads as you close in on the park, and the formations? You won’t see a single one until you crest the ridge—which, as it turns out, makes the reveal even better. I’ve lived in Colorado for 25 years and only just discovered the Paint Mines exist—which tells you everything about how underrated they are. If you haven’t heard of them either, consider this your sign. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit, hike the trail, and catch the best light.
Chris and I brought two of our girls along for a hike along the Paint Mines Interpretive Park trail. You’ll find that the trail is a slow build. The Interpretive Trail winds through rolling prairie without much fanfare, but we cut it short to give ourselves maximum time in the hoodoos before sunset. As the light dropped, the colors of the clay walls absolutely burst—pinks, purples, reds, and golds layering up something like Dr. Seuss dreamed them into existence. Awe-inspiring doesn’t quite cover it.
What are the Paint Mines Colorado?
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The Paint Mines Colorado are a geological wonder just a short drive from Colorado Springs. The interpretive park covers 750 acres near the small town of Calhan and is filled with hoodoos, sandstone spires, and colorful clay walls that have been shaped over millions of years of wind and water erosion. What makes the vivid pinks, purples, and reds so striking? Oxidized iron compounds in the soil—nature’s own paint palette.
The site is also steeped in Native American history, with evidence of human life here dating back nearly 9,000 years. Because of its geological and archaeological significance, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park is protected by law. That means no climbing the formations, no wandering off designated pathways, no removing rocks, plants, minerals, or artifacts—but you can take all the photos you want.
If you are planning a Colorado road trip, the Paint Mines make an unexpected and brilliant detour that most people have never even heard of. It’s also an easy add-on if you’re chasing more Colorado adventures & excursions around the state.
Planning Your Visit to Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Before you head out, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit to Paint Mines Interpretive Park.
Where is Paint Mines Interpretive Park?
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is located one mile south of Calhan, Colorado and about 45 minutes east of Colorado Springs on the wide open eastern plains. There are no mountains in sight—just big sky, rolling grasslands, wind turbines, and one of the most surprising geological formations in the state. The park sits at 7400 Paint Mines Road, Calhan, CO 80808.
How to Get There & What to Expect on the Drive
Because the Paint Mines are tucked out on the plains with no public transportation options, a car is essential. If you are flying into Colorado, plan to rent a car—it’s worth it.
From Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 east for about 31 miles. Turn right on Yoder Street/N Calhan Highway for 0.7 miles, then turn left on Paint Mines Road—a dirt road but well maintained. The park entrance will be on your left after about 1.4 miles.
The drive itself is pure eastern Colorado—endless sky and open fields interspersed with farms and numerous wind turbine spinning lazily on the horizon. It’s a long, quiet stretch of road, and honestly, part of the charm. As you near the park, pavement gives way to gravel roads. Don’t expect to see the formations from the road—the Paint Mines stay hidden until you’re right in the middle of them.
Paint Mines Tips for Parking
Parking at Paint Mines Interpretive Park is free, which fits perfectly with the no-fee theme of the park itself. The main gravel parking lot accommodates around 40 vehicles. There are two additional lots—an overlook lot and an upper lot—if the main lot is full. The overlook lot puts you right above the formations if you want a birds-eye view before heading down to the trail.
Restrooms are available at the main parking lot—pit toilets—but they’re well maintained and there if you need them. No running water or drinking fountains on site, so arrive with full water bottles.
Hours, Fees & Rules
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, seven days a week—and best of all, it’s completely free. No entry fees, no permits, no reservations required.
A few rules to know before you go:
- No dogs or other pets allowed
- No climbing on the formations
- No removing rocks, plants, minerals, or artifacts
- No horses, bicycles, or motorized vehicles on the trails
- Stay on designated pathways to protect the fragile ecosystem
Hiking the Paint Mines Interpretive Trail
The Paint Mines Interpretive Trail is one of the easy hikes near Colorado Springs that loops park with a total distance of 3.4 miles and minimal elevation gain—making it accessible for hikers of all ages and fitness levels. The trail winds through five interpretive sites covering ecology, prehistory, history, geology, and an overlook, with signage at each stop that adds real context to what you’re seeing.
That said, you don’t have to hike the full loop to have a brilliant experience. We walked past the Ecology and Prehistory Interpretive Sites before cutting toward the formations. With sunset closing in, it was exactly the right call.
If time is short, you can skip the interpretive walk entirely and take the shorter path directly from the parking lot down to the Geology Interpretive Site, where the hoodoos are. Either way, expect a gradual elevation drop as you descend from the parking area into the heart of the Paint Mines.
Trail Stats & What to Expect
Here’s a quick look at what to expect on the Paint Mines Interpretive Trail:
- Distance: 3.4-mile loop (shorter options available)
- Elevation gain: 334 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail surface: Clay and packed dirt—can be muddy after rain
- Average time: 1 hour 20 minutes for the full loop
- Dogs allowed: No
- Cost: Free
The trail begins near the restrooms at the main parking lot and heads northeast into grasslands before looping south toward the formations. The real payoff comes when you descend into the Geology Interpretive Site and find yourself standing among the hoodoos. Download the AllTrails map before you go—washouts can sometimes be mistaken for trails.
Best Time to Explore the Paint Mines
The Paint Mines are open year-round, but timing your visit makes a big difference.
Best Time To Visit the Paint Mines
- Time of day: Sunset and sunrise are hands down the best times to visit. The low light intensifies the pinks, purples, and reds of the clay formations in a way that midday sun simply can’t match. We hiked at sunset and the colors were absolutely brilliant—and with only a handful of other families on the trail.
- Season: Spring and fall are the sweet spots for comfortable temperatures. Summer can get brutally hot out on the plains. Pack extra water and sunscreen regardless of when you go. Winter visits are possible and the occasional dusting of snow adds an entirely different dimension to the formations.
- Crowds: Weekends can get busy, especially at the main parking lot. An early weekday morning visit is your best bet for a quieter experience.
- Avoid visiting right after heavy rain or snow. The clay trail surface gets extremely muddy and slippery, and those conditions aren’t doing your shoes any favors.
Important * There is zero shade on the trail—sunscreen and extra water are essential.
Photography Tips for the Paint Mines
The Paint Mines are a photographer’s dream; you don’t need a fancy camera to prove it. Every shot here looks like it belongs in a geology textbook or a sci-fi film. I shot pics with my iPhone, and it handled the colors brilliantly. One insider tip: don’t stop at the first formations you see. Keep going deeper into the hoodoos—the most vivid colors are hiding further in, and the formations only get more dramatic the more you explore.
Paint Mines Photo Tips
- Clean your lens before you shoot—it makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
- Shoot at golden hour—sunset and sunrise bring out the most dramatic pinks, purples, and reds.
- Overcast days are equally stunning and reduce harsh shadows on the formations.
- Use the Rule of Thirds—place the hoodoos along the grid lines, not dead center.
- Get low for dramatic angles looking up at the spires.
- Use Portrait mode on your iPhone to blur the background and make formations pop.
- Use natural frames—shoot through rock walls to draw the eye toward a center formation.
- Move your feet instead of zooming—you’ll get a sharper, more interesting shot.
- Shoot both wide and close-up—the formations reward both.
- Try night mode if you’re pushing into golden hour and the light gets low.
- Charge your phone or camera before you go—you will want to take lots of pictures.
Want these tips in your back pocket? Grab the free iPhone Travel Photo Cheat Sheet—with tips for making every shot at the Paint Mines pop.
Looking for a fun way to explore with kids or a group? Turn your visit into a photo scavenger hunt—the formations, wildlife, and interpretive signs give you plenty to search for.
Related Post: 25 Brilliant iPhone Travel Photography Tips You’ll Actually Use
What to Bring to the Paint Mines
If you plan to walk the interpretive trails, note that the Paint Mines hike is exposed. Additionally, there is no water on site and zero shade on the trail, so come ready. Here’s what to bring:
- Water: Fill your insulated water bottle at home—there are no drinking fountains at the park.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are non-negotiable on the open plains.
- Trail shoes: The clay surface can get uneven and muddy—good trail shoes or hiking boots will serve you well.
- Camera or iPhone: Fully charged.
- Layers: Colorado weather is unpredictable—a light jacket is always a good idea.
- Snacks: There are no food options at or near the park, so pack something to keep you going.
- Downloaded trail map: Cell service can be spotty—download the AllTrails map before you leave.
Check my Amazon Storefront for more ideas.
What’s Near the Paint Mines?
The Paint Mines sit about five miles from the small town of Calhan—don’t expect a bustling destination, but there are a few worthwhile stops in the area.
As you hike through the formations, you may notice something unexpected drifting across the plains—the distant roar of engines. El Paso County Raceway is just a few miles away, and if motorsports are your thing, events run April through October. Worth checking the schedule before you go.
In Calhan itself, you’ll find a family-owned supermarket and a Loaf ‘N Jug for basic supplies. For something more interesting, stop into Cadillac Jack’s—a local roadside favorite with a quirky collection of vintage toys and antiques on display. Speed enthusiasts will also want to know about SBR Motorsports Park, where you can race high-speed karts before or after your hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at the Paint Mines?
Unfortunately, no. Dogs and other pets are not permitted at Paint Mines Interpretive Park. The park’s fragile ecosystem and birds of prey habitat make it a no-pet zone—leave your pup at home for this one.
Is there a fee to visit the Paint Mines?
Nope—the Paint Mines are completely free to visit. No entry fee, no parking fee, no reservations required.
How long does it take to hike the Paint Mines?
The full 3.4-mile loop takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you plan to spend time exploring the hoodoos and taking photos (and you will) budget closer to 2 hours.
What is the best time to visit the Paint Mines Colorado?
Sunrise and sunset are the best times of day for dramatic color. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer can get brutally hot on the exposed plains, so go early or late in the day.
Can you climb on the hoodoos at the Paint Mines?
No. Climbing on the formations is prohibited by law. The hoodoos and clay spires are fragile and protected. Stay on designated trails and admire them from the path.
Are the Paint Mines worth the drive?
Absolutely. The Paint Mines Colorado are one of the most unexpected and brilliant natural wonders on the Front Range—and they’re free. Worth every mile.
How far are the Paint Mines from Colorado Springs?
The Paint Mines are approximately 45 minutes east of Colorado Springs, located near the small town of Calhan.
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You Won’t Believe What’s Hiding in Colorado
Growing up in southern Alberta, I spent my childhood exploring Writing on Stone Provincial Park—scrambling over hoodoos, ducking into formations, and thinking nothing of it. It was just what we did on weekends. Writing on Stone is a geological wonder in its own right, but it lacks the brilliant, candy-striped color of the Paint Mines Colorado. Coming back to that otherworldly landscape as an adult—this time on the Colorado plains instead of the Canadian prairie—felt like finding something I didn’t know I’d been missing for 25 years.
If you’ve been sticking to Colorado’s mountain trails, it’s time to point your car east. The Paint Mines are free, easy to hike, and unlike anything else on the Front Range. Go at sunset. Take your camera. Keep going deeper into the hoodoos than you think you need to. You won’t regret it.
Before you go, grab the free iPhone Travel Photo Cheat Sheet—with tips for making every shot at the Paint Mines pop.
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I visited the Paint Mines for the first time last year after living in Colorado for many years. It’s amazing how close it is to Colorado Springs yet is not often on people’s radars.
These look so beautiful! They remind me of the area around Purmamarca, in the north of Argentina! Thank you for sharing!