Paint Mines, Colorado

Overview

Paint Mines Interpretive Park is like Colorado's own magical ice cream sundae, except it's made of kaleidoscopic clay, eroded hoodoos, and rainbow-striped badlands-not sprinkles. Nestled on the prairie near Calhan, just 35 miles northeast of Colorado Springs, this 750-acre hidden gem surprises visitors with vividly colored rock formations in pinks, purples, yellows, and whites. These naturally occurring colors come from oxidized iron compounds in the clay, and they've been used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years to make you guessed it-paint. It's part geology lab, part art museum, part alien planet, and 100% worth the hike.

Top Attractions

Painted Hoodoos

Towering spires of multi-colored clay and sandstone Mother Nature's neon sculptures.

Badlands Trail

A 3.4-mile loop trail that winds through the most photogenic parts of the park.

Archaeological Sites

Evidence of human activity dating back 9,000 years arrowheads, tools, and clay mines.

Interpretive Signs

Along the trail, learn how geology, erosion, and ancient culture collide (in the prettiest way possible).

High Plains Vistas

Big sky views over waving grasslands sunsets here? Next level.

Unique Stories & Facts

• Used for Paint-Literally: Native American tribes, including the Apache and Ute, used the colorful clay for ceremonial paints and pottery.
• Not Just Pretty-Sacred: The site was a spiritual and cultural resource for centuries-some locals still regard it with reverence.
• Science Meets Art: The colors result from varying iron oxide levels in the clay natural chemistry creating otherworldly palettes.
• A Hidden Wonder: Despite being Instagram-famous now, it remained largely unknown until the 2000s outside local communities.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Hiking the Paint Mines Trail: The main loop covers most key features great for all skill levels.
• Photography: Dreamlike colors, strange rock shapes, and golden light-basically begging for your lens.
• Bird Watching: Prairie falcons, hawks, and meadowlarks are frequent fliers here.
• Picnicking (Above the Mines): Designated areas near the parking lot offer scenic rest spots with sweeping views.
• Stargazing: Limited light pollution makes this a quiet, magical spot for night sky appreciation.

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Latigo Grill (Peyton, ~20 miles): No buffet, but hearty ranch-style meals-big portions, local flair.
• The Rock House (Calhan): Again, not a buffet-but big breakfast plates and burgers that feel like one.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

• No casinos nearby closest full-scale options are in Cripple Creek (~70 miles). Note: Paint Mines keeps it natural bet on beauty, not blackjack.

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles)

• World's Largest Wind Farm (Viewable from the trail): Giant turbines create a surreal modern contrast to ancient geology.
• Calhan Rodeo Murals: Unexpectedly great street art and murals dotting this tiny town.
• Abandoned One-Room Schoolhouses: Scattered across the prairie some photogenic, some ghostly.
• "Clay Face Rock": Locals say one formation looks eerily like a human face creepy or creative?

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Paint Mines (At Dusk): Some hikers report strange echoes and shadowy movement-science says "wind," we say "ghosts."
• Calhan Fairgrounds: Rumored to have phantom hoofbeats and flickering barn lights after dark.
• Old Prairie Homesteads: Abandoned homes nearby are said to "breathe" with the wind-aka "welcome to the plains."

Local Events & Festivals

• Calhan Summerfest (July): Community celebration with parades, vendors, and classic Americana.
• El Paso County Fair (July): Just a few miles away-livestock shows, rides, and cotton candy for days.
• Paint Mines Night Hike Events (Seasonal): Occasionally hosted by local naturalists or astronomy clubs.

Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)

Luxury: None in town

But Colorado Springs offers boutique hotels just 45 minutes away.

Mid-Range: Calhan Inn

Simple, local, and close to the mines (from $110/night).

Budget: Prairie Motel

No-frills and no surprises (from $80/night).

Camping: No camping in the park

But nearby Homestead Ranch Regional Park offers primitive options.

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

The Rock House (Calhan)

Best burgers and malts around expect locals and lots of cowboy hats.

3 Margaritas (Falcon)

Great Mexican fare with a prairie-view patio.

Latigo Grill

Steak, BBQ, and craft beer come hungry, leave slower.

Sweet Peas Café (Peyton)

A hidden gem for fresh sandwiches and homemade pie.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Sunscreen, hat, layers, sturdy shoes, camera, and water there's zero shade in the formations.
• Safety: Stay on marked trails-fragile formations and rattlesnakes both deserve respect.
• Accessibility: No paved trails, but some paths near the overlook are manageable for limited mobility.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• Calhan, CO (5 miles): Tiny but full of local charm grab snacks or gas before the hike.
• Ellicott Wildlife Area: Quiet open space for birders and solitude-seekers.
• Homestead Ranch Park: Family-friendly with picnic areas and nature trails.
• Falcon, CO (~20 miles): Suburban sprawl with dining options and supplies.

Recommended Duration of Stay

Half-Day to 1 Full Day: Long enough to hike, photograph, and ponder life's mysteries in technicolor clay.

Target Travelers

• Nature Photographers: The colors and formations make every frame a jaw-dropper.
• Hiking Newbies: Easy trails with huge visual payoff great for families and Sunday strollers.
• Geology Lovers: Clay layers, oxidation patterns, and erosion on full display.
• Artists & Writers: You will leave inspired and possibly sunburnt.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"The Rainbow Hike You Didn't Know Existed in Colorado" - Explore the vibrant geology of Paint Mines.