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Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Colorado Offers Colorful Views Like No Other

Walk back in time into a colorful landscape that was once a hot spot among Native Americans in Colorado. Known as Paint Mines Interpretive Park, this area east of Colorado Springs is home to multi-colored rock formations. This sandstone playground is a geological wonder that every traveler and local to Colorado must experience. If you’re hoping to view some of Colorado’s unique landscape that also holds historical significance, then a visit to Paint Mines Interpretive Park is a must.

Entrance of the Paint Mines
Credit: Entrance of the Paint Mines by Carly P./Yelp

Native Americans of Colorado have visited the park as far back as 9,000 years ago. The geological features here, which were eroded and carved by water and wind, boast incredible colors, like white, orange, yellow, brown, gray and even purple. Due to the colorful aspects of the rock, ancient peoples would flock here to collect clay for pottery and paint. In the early 1900s, mining occurred to collect the colorful clay for bricks.

Credit: by Sara T./Yelp

Since this area has such a unique history, the park is a fragile area now. However visitors are welcome to traverse the hiking trails that flow through this iconic space. If you do decide to visit this park found in Calhan, CO, always stay on designated trails and never climb on the sandstone structures. Also, dogs, motorized vehicles and camping are not allowed in the park in order to protect this delicate area. Take only pictures and leave only footprints when you visit the Paint Mines.

This sign is found in the park.
Credit: This sign is found in the park. by Carly P./Yelp

This park does not have a visitors center or a shop, but the Paint Mines Interpretive Park does not need fancy amenities when the beautiful landscape speaks for itself. Embrace the beauty of Colorado by viewing the colorful spires, walls and chasms found along the four miles of trails at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park.

These colorful rocks have drawn humans here for centuries.
Credit: These colorful rocks have drawn humans here for centuries. by El Paso County

Paint Mines Interpretive Park Information

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