Paint Mines Park

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Paint Mines Park is located in the high plains near Calhan, Colorado. The 750 acre park features geological formations including spires, chasms, overhangs, and carved walls that were formed through erosion that created gullies and exposed layers of clay and jasper. Oxidization of iron deposits created the colorful clays, which range from light yellow to deep red.

There are portable toilets at the trailhead.

From either trailhead the best approach is to head for the west side of the park as this is where 90% of the rock formations are located that make this park distinct.

Taking the loop from Paint Mines Rd trailhead, the trail initially heads east and curves to the south. Once heading south you'll have views into the valley and a bench to soak it all in. The trail then descends into valley with white carved walls and spires immediately to the west.

Shortly after the white spires you'll approach a trail junction. Take the trail to the right (south), which leads deeper into the gully area. There are many beautiful dead-end spurs that take you closer to the formations. This is a great place to take your time and explore all of these side trails. The canyons here range in color from deep reds, to yellows, to white.

The main trail continues east and gradually climbs out of the gully. There are more formations to the north before leveling out on grasslands. From here the trail continues east to a junction with a second trailhead. Take the left trail northwest over vast rolling grasslands to continue the loop. The trail widens here and provides views of Pikes Peak far off to the west along with a bench on top of a slight rise.

There are a couple of smaller formations to the south as you continue to the southwest. Eventually you'll come back to the original trail junction. Head straight (west) to get back to the trailhead.

Throughout this park you'll encounter Colorado grasslands, prairie, badlands, and wetlands. Coyote, mule deer, song birds, falcons, and hawks are frequently sighted.

Archeological evidence shows this site was used for thousands of years.The rich color of the clays was used for ceremonial decorations as well as pottery making. Buffalo were herded into the dead end gullies to make them easier to hunt.