Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Colorado
Four thousand years ago, people came to these bright orange and white spires in Colorado to gather clay for their paint. The Paint Mines still stand today, showing off their bands of color against the prairie sky.
Here are some of our favorite things about this beautiful corner of Colorado.
The Area Used to Be a Forest
What you see today began as a lush forest millions of years ago. Over time, white stone from Pikes Peak covered it, and then wind and rain worked their magic for ages.
You can find this rare type of rock in only four spots across Colorado. The park sits where plains meet foothills, making it a perfect blend of two worlds.
Native Americans Collected the Bright Clay for Paint
The park got its name from the bright clays that tribes once gathered to mix their paint. You’ll see stunning bands of gold, pink, white, and purple in the clay.
The soil gets its rich colors from iron that mixed with clay as time passed. You might want to plan your visit for sunrise or sunset when light hits the color bands best.
On cloudy days, the hues look more vivid, while rain makes them even richer.
Tall Rock Spires Look Like They’re From Another World
Stone caps protect the top of spires and hoodoos (tall, thin rock shapes) from washing away. Some of these reach up to 15 feet tall. As you walk around, the wind-carved caves and holes make the shapes seem to change.
Tiny crystals in the stone catch light and sparkle, while the rock walls create shady spots to rest on hot days.
Walk Through Paths Carved By Nature Itself
You’ll find amazing rock shapes like hoodoos, canyons, and gullies throughout the park.
Some spots are just wide enough for one person to walk through, with each turn bringing a view more lovely than the last.
The paths often drop into small valleys that hide the outside world, making you feel like you’re the first to find this place. Keep an eye out for small side trails that lead to hidden views and look for hints of fossils in some wall faces as you go.
People Have Lived Here For 9,000 Years
Archaeological evidence shows that humans have walked these lands for nearly 9,000 years. The plants, animals, and bright clays kept drawing ancient folks back year after year.
Stone tools found in the park date back to 7000 BCE, and camp sites stack on top of each other, showing how many groups used this spot. You can still see heat-cracked rocks that mark where cooking fires once burned.
Fun fact: the first proof of pot-making in the state was found right here.
The Clay Here Has Traveled All Over the State
Native tribes found many uses for this land over time. First, they used the gullies as lookout spots and hiding places for hunting.
Later, they took the bright clays to make pots and body paint. The clay marked items of great worth, and each tribe knew which types worked best for each job.
Clay from this very park has been found in old tribal homes all across the state.
You Can Hike Four Miles Of Trails
The park gives you four miles of trails that climb over 500 feet as you cross its 750 acres. Most folks take the 3.4-mile loop that winds through grass fields and among rock shapes.
It takes less than 90 minutes for most folks to walk, and you’ll find rest spots along all paths. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro hiker – the dirt trails are wide and well-kept with a gentle rise.
Clear signs point the way so you won’t get lost, and you can always walk just parts of the park if you don’t want to hike it all.
Spot Deer, Eagles, And Falcons While You Explore
Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, coyotes, and pronghorn as you walk. Bird fans will love this place, too – it’s home to hawks, falcons, bald and golden eagles, rabbits, horned toads, and many types of birds you might not see elsewhere.
Try to visit at dawn or dusk when shy animals are more likely to come out.
You Don’t Need To Pay A Single Penny
Unlike many parks, Paint Mines costs nothing to visit. It’s open every day of the year from dawn until dark, so you can come any time that works for you.
There’s no need to book ahead – just show up and start your walk. Since there are no entry gates or fences, it truly feels like open land.
You’ll find a good map at the main lot to help plan your route, and there are clean bathrooms at all three parking areas. Even on busy days, the park is so big that it never feels crowded.
Pets Are Not Allowed
The site is kept safe by law because of its fragile state and the value of its rocks and ancient tools. You won’t see any pets here – they’re not allowed in order to keep wildlife safe.
Signs clearly mark which spots you shouldn’t walk on, and park staff check the area daily to stop any harm. Rules prevent folks from taking rocks or clay samples home.
Enjoy Nature Without Gift Shops Or Crowds
You won’t find any gift shops, big guest centers, or stores at Paint Mines. It’s just you and raw nature (though there are clean bathrooms).
The park has kept its wild feel that many state parks have lost over time. There’s no food, trash cans, or water – so bring what you need.
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