We were unsure of whether or not to visit the Paint Mines due to mixed reviews, but we were definitely glad we went. The colors were absolutely beautiful! It's incredible that this area exists surrounded by farmlands. It was about an hour drive into the middle of nowhere, and the parking lot is off a gravel road. There is a short walk until you actually see any of the colorful formations. We walked down into the formations, but there is also a loop around the top that overlooks down into the formations. I would not consider it to be a strenuous walk. We went in August, so it was a pretty warm day. I'd recommend bringing water. There is a bathroom near the parking lot, which was relatively clean. read more

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Loved our quick day trip down here! The views are beautiful all along the trails and the paint mines are breathtaking! It was quiet and not too crowded when we went. It is a smaller park but worth it to see something unique. The trails are super easy, wide and mostly flat (some slight hills). It's funny, so many complaining about rough, long trails to get to the mines... well yes it is still a nature park with hiking, not everything will be right in front of you. The paths are also well maintained. Very simple-definitely not as strenuous as hiking in the mountains. Also, our hike from the south lot was 0.7 of a mile to the main, center of the paint mines. Many sections of the trails were 0.2-0.4 of a mile. And others saying bring a water bottle-isn't that what you should do when hiking anyways? That's part of it... Also the roads to get there are typical dirt roads. Sorry city folks, this is further East. Not everything is paved. The roads are about a mile or two off a paved highway-nothing crazy. If my Ford Focus can make it so can your cars. No need to drive 5mph on them. It's small and a further drive but a nice, beautiful, scenic park with light hiking. Perfect for a half day trip. read more

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Windy. Parking on premise w/porta where parking lot is located. You have to walk a bit to get to the site. This is a complimentary experience (no parking fee) and there were volunteers there that were able to talk about the history and answer questions about the place. Very nice visit and easy to find. Def recommend if coming out early in the morning/passing by. There are diff hikes/trails you can experience but after a while, the paint mines themselves may start to look the same. I still enjoyed it. read more

What a wonderful place to visit! Beautiful views and lots of climbing of you're up for it! Only negative... make sure you use the restroom before you arrive. Unless you don't mind sneaking behind a teenie tiny bush! read more

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This is the last national park I explored with my father before he left this world last fall, so it will always have a special place in my heart. Please respect this place, it is sacred and beautiful. read more

Paint Mines Interpretive Park - Parks Near Me - Calhan, Colorado

I've lived in Colorado all my life and recently discovered this beautiful place! Please stay off the unbeaten trail! It's fragile and our foot prints can ruin it for future generations. Be respectful read more

The canyon was beautiful! Totally worth a 1.5 hour drive from Denver. We walked the 3 mile loop and got great photos of the canyon. The colors were incredible. A little muddy from snow melting, but a great experience! read more

Paint Mines Interpretive Park - Painted canyon - Parks Near Me - Calhan, Colorado

Mmm mmm mmm, Colorado--you gots a tasty landscape. Finally checked out the Paint Mines this weekend and cannot (WILL NOT!) shut up about them. This place could make even the most indoorsy person want to lace up their hiking boots and soak in the great outdoors. Added bonus: for some reason most of my Colorado native friends hadn't heard of this place, so it's an awesome little hidden gem. The paint mines are located in Calhan, about an hour and a half away from Denver. Aside from these gorgeous Paint Mines and the county fair that was going on when I was there, I have *no* idea what else there is to do in Calhan. From the looks of it there are a few country bars and a restaurant or two, but I would hold out for Castle Rock if you're making a day trip out of it and looking for options. The Paint Mines themselves are on a dirt road that's kind of in the middle of nowhere, but there's a sign and a parking lot so you know you've arrived. There are bathrooms in the parking lot. Clean bathrooms? I'm not sure and I'm not making any promises, but bathrooms nonetheless. There's a short, easy hike from the lot to the mines and then BAM! You're smack in the middle of some of the raddest landscape you've ever seen. The colors and shapes feel sort of like another planet--make sure to bring your camera, 'cause this stuff is very Instagram-worthy. My friends and I came here later in the day (like 7 pm), which was good for me because I'm a pale baby and there's NO SHADE in this park. If you're wanting to go earlier, I would suggest not going in the heat of summer, but definitely go!! read more

Paint Mines Interpretive Park - This landscape is surreal - Parks Near Me - Calhan, Colorado

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Absolutely free and an awesome place to see. Literally in the middle of nowhere, but well worth the drive. Beautiful hike and tons of amazing geologic features to photograph. read more

How breathtakingly picturesque is this place! I've only been once, but would certainly come back. We explored around late morning/early afternoon. There were about four other vehicles parked, but it's so spacious it felt very tranquil and private. There's an outhouse just before the trail along with a garbage disposal. I must say the entire area was very clean and felt truly happy no jerk offs came and graffitied the area. Not a single piece of litter! Please if you come, keep it this clean. There are a few inclines/declines along the paths. If you have trouble walking, it might not be ideal, but at a slow pace I'd deem it achievable. The paths are mostly gravel, some sand. A stroller could be brought, but parents better have strength to make it the entire way and back! The landscape is just truly remarkable. There are placards with information throughout, take the time to read them to better appreciate what you're snap chatting ;) read more

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This place is in the middle of nowhere. We thought our directions were wrong. But, in fact, it's off a gravel road. Nice trails & interesting artifacts. If you've never been to the Painted Desert, this will impress you. But, after going there, this was just a mini version of it. read more

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Such a beautiful place to spend a day. Cool history. There is a bathroom prior to entering and a gas station near to grab water. read more

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Really pretty. It's a fun easy hike but there is not a lot of shade so bring lots of water. read more

Paint Mines Interpretive Park - Parks Near Me - Calhan, Colorado

Beautiful natural park unlike any others. Wonderful coloring and formations. Several trails to wander about and lots of rabbits scatting about. Take the long trail for striking views of all the prairie and surrounding areas. There are 3 parking lots, but only one has bathrooms. There are no food choices in Calhan after 8pm. So if you plan to see the sunset, also plan to eat beforehand or to eat in Falcon (closest town with a few food establishment on the way to Colorado Springs). VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE LOCALS DON'T TAKE BETTER CARE OF THIS PARK. It is obvious that people don't respect the rules. Do they ever? There is tons of dog s**t all over the walking path, as well as droves of teenagers climbing and jumping from one rock formation to the next. I was truly hoping someone would fall and break their neck, but unlucky me, they didn't. Everyone escaped with their skins. So disappointing! Calhan does not have much to offer to any visitor. No food, not much history, not much to do...so one would think that they'd make darn sure to preserving the ONLY attraction they have in town that could potentially bring them some business! But I guess they don't care enough about their natural gems to have a ranger (or a volunteer group) to go out and enforce the park's rules. It is a sad, sad world the one where people destroy what nature took millennia to create! I hate people! read more

Paint Mines Interpretive Park - Wonderful park, idiotic teens!! - Parks Near Me - Calhan, Colorado

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Beautiful and quiet place to look at a beautiful formations on a nice walk. Second parking lot better

I can't remember where i found out about this park, but when i found out that it was like a mini bryce canyon here in colorado, i knew we had to go. The location is east of colorado springs, about 45 minutes. Just a little on a dirt road, but passable by most any vehicles. Most of the information says take any parking lot and take any route.. I disagree. Park at the first parking lot, take the path, take the first right, when you reach the formation, take the path through the formations, when you reach the other end, pass the uphill route and visit as many formations as you wish. Then return to the branch that went up the hill, if you want to have a full 4 mile loop, go up the hill, when you reach the path to the second parking lot, go the opposite way. enjoy the path and some smaller formations, you will eventually reach where you originally went into the formations. There is usually a breeze up on the higher portions, but lower in the formations it can get stuffy and hot! Bring enough water for at least a 4 mile hike, hat and sun screen. Signs say no pets, bikes or horses. With no shade it is probably a good idea to not to bring them anyway! All in all an amazingly beautiful location, lots to see and enjoy! read more

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In love with this place. So glad it's not more widely distributed. We came out here for a hike one day we had off. We thought for awhile that we got lost, but nope. If you think you're about to roll up on someone's house, you're right. Everything here is free. And it's generally not busy. I just loved wandering around. We were only there for two hours, and I can't wait to go back by myself so I can stay longer. There isn't a lot around. So, definitely bring your own food, water, etc. http://adm.elpasoco.com/CommunityServices/ParkOperations/Pages/PaintMinesInterpretivePark.aspx read more

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White, red, pink and orange hued sandstone features carved by mother nature. An interesting and gorgeous area worth spending part of a day exploring. http://adm.elpasoco.com/Parks/Documents/StoryofthePaintMines.pdf http://www.summitpost.org/paint-mines/479400 There is minimal shade so a spring or fall (heck maybe even winter) visit seems optimal. Sunscreen, water and a hat are mandatory. Primitive facilities in the parking lot and a handful of picnic tables for lunch. The two links supplied say everything that could be said. Check it out. read more

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This is a cool place that seems to be literally in the middle of nowhere! Right now in winter there is snow, ice, and MUD so be sure to wear boots. Most of the trails are dirt so I am sure in the summer you could get away with a pair of sneakers. The overall trails felt easy enough for beginners, although there are some inclines so if you are not in very good shape, you might feel the burn. You definitely want to wear sunscreen as there is no shade. It is an open space! Check the wind advisory beforehand too. It can be brutal if it is already chilly out. The rock formations though are really neat. Again, they seem to come out of nowhere. I actually even liked the gigantic windmills too. Parking was easy and the trail was marked on which direction to go in to see the rock formations. There is a unisex bathroom (kind of gross but it is basically an outhouse and when you gotta go, who cares) at the entrance of the park as well. Once you get onto the trail headed towards the rocks, things get a little froggy on which path to stay on but because of the open space it is fairly easy to see which direction a trail leads off to. Just make sure to study the map beforehand because it is essentially an eight figure trail that loops around for a total of six miles or so. Phone service is spotty if you are using a trail app. read more

Paint Mines Interpretive Park - Paint Mines in February - Parks Near Me - Calhan, Colorado

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Last minute decision on our last full day in Colorado that was well worth it. It is short but uphill hike to the formations but there is beautiful scenery to look at while walking. Once you get to the formations there is so much to see! Would recommend fitting it into your schedule, especially since it's one of the free parks. read more

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Mostly white rock formations, there isn't a lot of color as the web indicates. The hike is on a rough path, easy to loose your footing. If you're not in shape, or you're older, don't bother. read more

Pretty! Also freezing and very windy! Tons of people on a Saturday morning climbing on structures and yelling. It's nice don't get me wrong but I dislike Parks that have signed with rules and warnings plastered all over the place. No Dogs, no Horses, no bikes, don't climb , stay on path, don't touch... ok besides the animals (?!) this all makes sense but how do you stay on the " designated" paths if you don't know where they are? Many of the paths that looked very well traveled to me lead me direct on the oh so fragile structures? Why are there no fences or ropes? I understand that they are not possible to staff this place but if you really don't want people to break all the rules you might have to deal with these extra expenses and get some security here because we all know how well people follow rules. I had my dog with me ( yep breaking rules) on a leash and making sure he doesn't pee on structures , there were bunnies everywhere so I don't understand why dogs can't be here? Anybody? The structures are beautiful and worth visiting but relax a little on all the rules and re read more

This spot is off the beaten path but worth the drive for the other worldly views. A short hike and you are at this amazing spot. The colors are stunning. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was not at all busy. There are some longer routes and shorter routes depending on your hiking interest. read more

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Being a native I never knew this existed. I would recommend coming early in the day or later afternoon to get the best pictures and colors. Dress in layers as parts are exposed and windy while other parts are protected and warm. read more

Paint Mines Interpretive Park - Parks Near Me - Calhan, Colorado

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Very beautiful. Beyond expectation, considering it is county level free park. Very windy there and has a wind energy farm close to it. So remember to bring a jacket when you go. read more

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A beautiful place. I went on a Sunday morning so there people early enough to where it was crowded and parking wasn't difficult. It was a fun and good experience! Highly recommend! read more

This is a hidden gem! I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere when my gps told me I was 2 minuets away, I thought I must had typed in the wrong address but then out of nowhere I look down and it was like a mini colorful Grand Canyon! Such a fun easy walk/hike down. There was a little snow and it was a little muddy, but we had the whole palace to ourselves! It's probably a pretty popular place in the summer time, but either way i highly recommend it. read more

Paint Mines Interpretive Park - View from the top of paint mines - Parks Near Me - Calhan, Colorado

So breath take people go to take engagement and wedding photos a lot. Worth the stop!!!

Beautiful scenery! Please don't do not climb on the rocks though there are snakes in the park.

Neat little hidden gem on the high plains! We walked around last Sunday for the first time and spent a decent 2 hours poking around the colored hoodoos and rock formations and checking out the trails. Very family-friendly... I think we were the only ones there without kids. The park is free, and there is a toilet facility at the west parking lot but it's locked Nov-Apr. In addition to the parking lot on the west side, the south side also has a space for vehicles and it's less used. For you motorbikers, both are dirt. Very pretty and rather isolated; great place to get away from town for a few hours! This is not for rock-climbers or anyone looking for high-adrenalin stuff, but it's a super cool park if you're looking at the small details. It can get windy and there is no shade. Signs are posted asking people to stay off the formations to keep them preserved and unmolested for future generations, and that dogs are NOT allowed. But do people ever read signs? Little kids and their parents were scrambling all over them on Sunday - which was disappointing but not surprising. And yes, we did see a dog, thankfully on a leash, but still. Look, it's not about whether or not the dog is running wild or is well-behaved, but that its waste, liquid or solid, is detrimental to the organisms out there due to the waste's composition that impacts the water and soil differently than the native animals. One dog may not seem like much harm, but if you set a precedent and people begin bringing more pets, that's not good. Especially if the other pets aren't as well-managed and begin chasing the wildlife or tromp all over delicate species and p*ssing or sh*tting everywhere. I like dogs and had them growing up, but please be courteous and obey the signs. read more

Such a neat, hidden gem! We had the best time at the Paint Mines. It's easily walkable (even at 8+ months pregnant). It's also very clean and well cared for. The formations are beautiful and the colors are unreal. We will definitely be returning to enjoy this beautiful piece of nature. read more

Seriously cool park. It's a nice and easy little trail, the park was clean, I love that it's super out of the way. There's even a bathroom! Go for the Instagrams. You won't regret it. read more

We love this place! I take my daughter here all the time. It can get pretty hot, so bring water and hats. There are amazing caves you can find by climbing up into some of the formations. The only bathrooms are at the trailhead. There are several loop trails you can take, and some of them go out into the prairie instead of into the formations. I like it just as much though, and the big loop is wide enough for two strollers if you Mamas out there want to walk together. You'll need all-terrain tires, though! read more

Very cool self-guided park. Cool views and lots of options for trails. Free parking and one restroom at first parking lot. Be careful climbing. Hiking boots are a must. read more

Hidden gem! During the drive we thought maybe GPS was playing tricks on us but we made it. The hike was fairly easy and definitely worth it.

Excellent trails in a scenic escape from the grass prairies! Great for running or meandering through the colors. Well maintained. No pets allowed! Hallelujah! read more

Such a cool hidden gem! Don't skip the hike just make sure you check the weather before heading out that way! read more

Paint Mines Interpretive Park - Parks Near Me - Calhan, Colorado

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Having been born and raised in Colorado, I was sure I had seen all the wonders that Colorado has to offer. However, when someone mentioned the Indian Paint Mines, I had no idea what they were referring to. Last weekend my grandsons and I took a trip to this beautiful natural wonder located beside a huge wind farm on the other side of Calhan. It is such an amazing structure! Due to health problems I wasn't able to walk the entire hike, but luckily, there is a shorter hike to the formations. There were families with little ones at the time we were there. It was nice to see the parents made sure the kids didn't climb where they shouldn't. You have to see this beautiful structure, so glad we made the trip! read more

Wether you live in colorado or visiting, this place is a must see. Its a real bunmer dogs arent allowed. Our pup would love this place. If people only cleaned up after their pets.. read more

Good place to walk around with dogs or by yourself the formations are so beautiful. It is very clean. Not only is it easy to get to there are three parking areas read more