Colorado

One of the few hiking areas on the eastern plains of Colorado and one of the most unique areas in the state is the Paint Mines Interpretive Park in El Paso County just southeast of Calhan, CO. This hiker-only area (dogs, bicycles and horses are not allowed here) was named for the colorful clays that are part of the rock formations previously used by native Americans for making paint. The four miles of hiking trails in this 750-acre park meander through spire geologic formations and hoodoos formed by erosion that exposes the various colorful layers that make this area so unique.

When Open? Area Acres Operated By
Year-round; dawn to dark 769 acres El Paso County Parks and Recreation
Dogs Allowed? Miles of Trail Max/Min Elev (ft)
No dogs allowed 4 6,550ft - 6,810ft

Paint Mines Open Space Trail and Map Finder

Area Hiking Trails:
1 - Paint MInes Area Trails 1
2 - Paint Mines Area Trails 2
3 - Paint Mines Area Trails 3
4 - Paint Mines Area Trails 4
5 - Paint Mines Area Trails 5
Area Trailheads:
1 - Paint MInes Main Trailhead
2 - Paint Mines Overflow Trailhead
3 - Paint Mines South Trailhead
Area Campgrounds: