Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Category: Park

Address: 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA

Phone: +17195207529

Opening hours

Sunday: 6AM–7:30PM

Monday: 6AM–7:30PM

Tuesday: 6AM–7:30PM

Wednesday: 6AM–7:30PM

Thursday: 6AM–7:30PM

Friday: 6AM–7:30PM

Saturday: 6AM–7:30PM

Reviews

Michelle Fieseler

Jul 16, 2022

So glad we made the hour drive from Colorado Springs to see this! If you want to fast track to the best part and skip the full 3-4 mile walk, start at the small set of stairs right behind the bathroom and just continue straight down and through the formations. If you continue left it was take you on a giant loop, which is nice, but can get pretty hot as there is no shade on this trail. I suggest starting at about 6am if you can.

Ben Sutter

Jul 10, 2022

I got there at 6 am, had the whole place to myself to do some photography. I saw 2 people on my way out and a rabbit, that did not care that I was walking by him. The colors are amazing and I recommend golden hour for photography so the whites don't overwhelm the color. Take water with you. It was cool early morning and I was fine, I was walking around for 2 hours, I can see how you could easily get heat stroke doing that in the middle of the day with no water. Love the hoodoo and this little park gives big National Parks in Utah a run for their money. Highly recommended.

Jim Kruse

May 22, 2022

The Paint Mines are a unique spot to check out, just a short drive from Colorado Springs. It is an easy, short walk, so it is perfect for the family or those with limited mobility that aren't up for some of Colorado's tougher hikes. A bonus is that this experience is completely free. Unfortunately, you will have to leave your pets at home. Also, the park asks you to refrain from climbing on these delicate features.

Leslie

Mar 27, 2022

I went early to avoid the crowds and glad I did. It’s a very interesting area with lots to explore. When coming from the parking lot, you don’t see the coloring on the rock/clay formations but keep walking! The pinks and yellows are gorgeous. There are other hikes around the area with a definite marked trail system. Given I was still adjusting to the elevation in Colorado, I didn’t make it the entire loop. It’s free exploring and definitely worth the visit.

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Questions & Answers

Are dogs allowed

Eugene Engelhardt | Jun 30, 2018
Kelly W | Jul 1, 2018

Was just there and they have a sign posted at the trail entrance that says no dogs :(

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Why isn't there someone here to keep people from climbing on the formations ans meke people pick up their dogs poop.

Ernie Gordon | Jun 30, 2019
Amy Wieden | Jul 1, 2019

Are you volunteering?

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Are there any trails, or portions of trails within the park that are wheelchair accessible?

Katie Johnson | Jun 30, 2019
ANGELA DORRELL | Jul 1, 2019

There is a wheel chair / Handicapped entrace if you kerp heading north on Paint Mone Rd...it curves to the East a bit and a parking lot will be visable on the left hand side. It has a paved sidewalk area, as well as concrete ramps down into the mines themselves....

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Is a stroller easy to push on trails ?

Staphanie cain | Jun 30, 2019
Krisaundra Hale | Jul 1, 2019

The trails are not paved. But there are some that you can push a stroller on. However the more interesting places might be hard to get to with a stroller.

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Are you allowed to bring strollers?

Kennedy Ben | Jun 30, 2019
Darla Farr | Jul 1, 2019

I'm pretty sure it's allowed. There are a few steep spots going down in the canyon depending on where you enter. There are several parking areas. I suggest the first one by restrooms. The trail down is smoother for a stroller.

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are permits needed for photo shoots?

CARY JOBE | Jun 29, 2021
Phil Queirolo | Jun 30, 2021

I couldn't say for sure, but I don't think so.

Are drones allowed?

Jeff Van Benschoten | Jun 29, 2021
Matthew Avasakdi | Jun 30, 2021

Be aware B4UFly app is not 100% accurate. Always be sure to check local laws. Happy flying

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Are there any camp sites in the park or the near area? I have a small trailer I would like to bring.

Liliana R. | Jun 30, 2019
Robin Gillis | Jul 1, 2019

There are no campsites at the park but there is a campground and RV park called Cadillac Jack's located in Calhan, CO not far from the mines. Parking is limited at the Paint Mines so not advisable to bring your trailer to the mines when you visit. www.cadillacjacksrvpark.com

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Can you go at night? If so is there any good places to stargaze?

Joshua Barnett | Jun 30, 2019
Jeremy Broadwell | Jul 1, 2019

The park is closed at night

Is it opened March 17th? Of 2019

mariah Arguello | Jun 30, 2019
Dj Stewart | Jul 1, 2019

There is no gate. It is always open

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How far is the hike from parking area?

Susan Padilla | Jun 30, 2019
John Tompkins | Jul 1, 2019

There's two parking lots. The first one you come to is further away but not as steep. The second one is pretty close (200yds) but it's a lot steeper.

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Is this a national park and can you fly a drone there

Mountainman484 | Jun 30, 2019
Tiffany Johnson | Jul 1, 2019

Per County parks rules and regulations, Drones are not allowed to be flown on or over any County Park Property. It is posted in their FAQ. https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/parks-frequently-asked-questions/

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How far is the hike for two older people?

Phyllis Ames | Jun 30, 2018
Arnav Bose | Jul 1, 2018

There are two parking lots. The main one, which also has restrooms and all could be around half a mile from the place. The second parking lot is just overlooking the place. If you park over there, you can reach the place in 2-3 minutes.

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What's it like in the winter? Do the rock formations create shadows that facilitate icy patches?

Katie - | Jan 30, 2022
Steve Dempsey | Jan 31, 2022

OK went on Sunday and almost no snow and ice. Some ice patches by rocks but you could this in sneakers.

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Is it wheelchair accessible?

Reinhold Fuerstenau Jr. | Jun 29, 2021
Jonathan | Jun 30, 2021

This would be hard but would depend on your conditioning, type of chair and if you have assistance.

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I'm looking to do a photoshoot here, are smoke bombs allowed?

Auberry Kerrigan | Jun 29, 2021
Brian C Newman | Jun 30, 2021

Absolutely not.

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Is it car accessible??

Noah Perez | Jun 29, 2021
Grant Schowengerdt | Jun 30, 2021

The short answer is no. While there is a parking lot, you will have to go on an approximately 10 minute walk to see the rock formations.

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Can you drive through it. Asking for a handicap person.

David Bentley | Jun 29, 2021
Eric Gilger | Jun 30, 2021

There are two parking lots for painted mines park. The second is above and much closer to the mines although a steeper hike down to the park. If you parked there you would have a pretty good overview and be able to see 80% or so of the park maybe 50 yards away. If you had a pair of binoculars it would probably be worth a visit. But to answer your question no, you cannot drive through it.

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Assuming there's no camping here. Does anyone know of any places nearby?ish

Patrick Devine | Jun 29, 2021
Molyneux Roberta | Jun 30, 2021

There is free camping at Karval Reservoir, a Colorado State Wildlife Preserve, which is about an hour drive away.

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Do I have to make a reservation to enter paint mines?

Lilibeth Alvarez | Jun 29, 2021
Sheila Hancock | Jun 30, 2021

No reservation needed. You just drive up and park, walk and look at your own pace. The farther you go, the better they get!!!!

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Can you access this place at night after hours?? Or is it like closed off

Diamond Coursey | Jun 29, 2021
Will Mullaney | Jun 30, 2021

The hours are dusk to dawn. There's no fence that restricts access but the area is patrolled day and night, so if you're looking to stay much later than the dusk to dawn hours you'll need to call the parks department in advance. You can get a permit for night time photography and similar uses if you call them, but due to recent vandalism there and at other El Paso County locations, expect an issue if you're there significantly after dusk without prior authorization.

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Is Paint Mines open on MLK day?

Diana Hudson | Jun 29, 2020
C S | Jun 30, 2020

Yes, it's always open since there are no gates but the bathroom is sometimes locked

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Can you metal detect here

Eric Casper | Jun 30, 2019
John Cleary | Jul 1, 2019

I don't think anyone would stop you, unless you stated digging, but i agree with Cat G, there's likely nothing to find.

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Is there any camping near here? Or possibly in the park i looked it up on my phone and doesnt give me much

Meagan cancel | Jun 30, 2019
Daniel Ellsworth | Jul 1, 2019

No camping at Park, but a camp ground in Calhan. About 5 min away.

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How much is it to enter the park?

Audrye Shirah | Jun 30, 2019
Nathan Alderson | Jul 1, 2019

The park is free. Also no dogs and no climbing is allowed.

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Is there a certain time of year when they appear more colorful?

Diane Bingham | Jun 30, 2019
Elizabeth Appelmann | Jul 1, 2019

I dont think time of year would make a difference as time of day.

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Are dogs (leashed) allowed? Getting mixed reviews.

Cali R | Jun 29, 2020
Joyce DZ | Jun 30, 2020

They are NOT allowed but there were always people who ignore rules either because of ignorance or entitlement.

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How many hours do you want to spend there?

mariah Arguello | Jun 30, 2019
Gaby Rubio Diaz | Jul 1, 2019

At least 1 hour but you can spend a long time if you like nature. Just do not go during the winter or a cold day. I did it and the wind was ruthless. Plus bring enough water and snacks since isn't any store nearby.

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When is the best time of day to go to get the most saturated colors? Are there snakes?

Monica Wolenski | Jun 30, 2019
Aly Ann O'Connor | Jul 1, 2019

Yes...snakes. I live on ranch next door. But not all the snakes are bad. Take a snake stick.

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Are there picnic tables anywhere to stop and eat at the Paint Mines?

Crystal Browning | Jun 30, 2018
Ray F. McCorkle | Jul 1, 2018

There is one in the Middle parking area over looking the Paint Mines!! Be safe & hope you guys enjoy the Mines & Always Remember When visiting our Tourists Attractions DON'T LEAVE NO TRACE!!

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Can we hike there

Austin Smith | Jun 30, 2018
Becca Gados Moore | Jul 1, 2018

Yes, lots of trails!

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is there camping

guy wolgamott | Jun 30, 2018
Elizabeth Damiano | Jul 1, 2018

There is only day time parking one lot with bathrooms and one with out. There are no camping facilities. It is a very nice one day picnic and hike.

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Is there a cost to get in?

kai PAXpress (PAXpress) | Jun 30, 2018
Tom Frazier | Jul 1, 2018

Free parking, no use fee. Hiking only. No bikes, no pets.

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Can you ride dirtbikes here?

Jon Cropper | Jun 30, 2018
Andrew Tanasescu | Jul 1, 2018

Park is only for hiking. No pets or bikes allowed

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Is the paint mines in seattle

Grand Douche | Jun 30, 2018
Andrew Carroll | Jul 1, 2018

It is about an hour east of Colorado Springs.

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