Hiking in the Paint Mines Interpretive Park

About a year ago I started seeing pictures at something called the Paint Mines, and it looked like it was near Colorado Springs. So when we were looking for a place to hike last weekend, I suggested the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. I didn’t really know anymore about the park, except that there were rocks and colors. My husband, who spent most of his life in the Springs, said he had never even heard of this park. Oh, the power of social media!

So we packed a lunch and drove the hour east. It’s an easy drive, and going through the tiny, tiny town of Calhan (it’s right before you get to the Paint Mines) I spotted where would we have eaten lunch, had we not brought it. They had me at burger.

We parked at the first parking lot that we saw, by the sign, but if you continue on down the road, there are more parking lots that are little closer to the rock formations. Although we had some pretty field views walking up from our parking lot too.

The colors were so cool! Where else do you see those pinks and oranges, except in a sunset! And, f i n a l l y we were at a giant park about rocks that my boys actually liked! I think it was because there was a lot of climbing that could be done. And caves, the caves were pretty cool. There were some great paths that let you really explore all around the rocks. The boys were big fans of the Paint Mines, maybe because within five seconds they were covered in the dust that is everywhere…but clearly it’s worth it.

The whole area reminded me a lot of the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks Natural Park. Different rock formations, and the Tent Rocks didn’t have the colors that the Paint Mines do, but both are still really cool.

Have you visited the Paint Mines Interpretive Park yet?!? Who wants to do a photoshoot out there?!