No matter where you’re going in this expansive country, you can find unexpected places begging to be explored. Places where you may expect to see a whole lot of nothing can surprise you. Such is the case when driving east out of Colorado Springs on US-24. Just as you settle back to enjoy a long, easy rhythm through golden grasslands, surrounded by big sky—with perhaps the occasional pronghorn to keep things interesting—you’ll come across the tiny town of Calhan. Just below the grasslands, the prairie seems to split open to reveal a maze of hoodoos, spires, and striped clay in changing shades of rose, lavender, gold, and blazing white.
If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon Paint Mines Interpretive Park, it’s well worth stopping! You’ll feel like you’ve landed on another planet or another time in the middle of the Colorado plains, in a place people have been coming for some 9,000 years. Indeed, native Americans once gathered here to collect vivid clays made from oxidized iron compounds to make paint. Thus, how the park got its name.
Be warned in advance: You can’t camp or climb here. You can’t bring your four-legged co-pilot. No horses, drones, or even bicycles of any kind are allowed. But with a little planning, you can step back in time and take in the magic.
Here’s how to get to Paint Mines Interpretive Park, where to park your rig, and why this area is worth the drive.
Before You Go to Paint Mines Interpretive Park
This area is small (~750 acres) and fragile, and El Paso County is determined to carefully protect this open space. (Thank goodness.) Following the simple ground rules will make your visit smoother and more enjoyable:
- Day use only: The park is open year-round, from dawn ‘til dusk. There’s no camping, no overnight parking, and no fee. You will, however, find restrooms and picnic tables at the main parking area.
- Leave pets, bikes, and drones behind: All of which are prohibited. Rangers are on hand to keep the peace and make sure the rules are followed. If you do have pets with you, line up a sitter or otherwise ensure your pets are safe and cool while you explore the badlands—especially in the warmer months.
- Look, don’t climb: Stay on the marked trails and well off the delicate formations. The soft clay and sandstone erode easily, and scrambling causes lasting damage. We want our children, grandchildren, and beyond to be able to enjoy the area.
- Stay safe: There’s no water on site and very little shade. Bring your water and apply plenty of sunscreen. Wear good walking shoes, as benches are few and far between and the terrain is uneven.
- Plan your time: To fully explore the area, set aside two to four hours to hike the four miles of dirt and gravel trails that loop through the park. For the best photos—and the most comfortable temperatures during the warmer months—go early in the morning or an hour or two before sunset. The colors really glow closer to dawn and dusk. If you’re a professional photographer, you can also get a special permit for astrophotography. You will, however, have to request it in advance—it takes about two weeks to get the permit.
- Get a guide: For the in-depth geology, ecology, and history story, register for free guided hikes on select Saturdays. The hikes take about two hours. Again, don’t forget your water bottle and sunscreen.
Getting to Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Paint Mines sits just south of the small town of Calhan, which is about 35 miles—40 to 50 minutes—northeast of Colorado Springs. From the Springs, take US-24 east to Calhan. Turn south on Calhan Highway (also called Yoder Road). Then go east on Paint Mine Road, and follow it to the parking area.
If you’re coming from Denver or I-70, exit at Limon and follow US-24 southwest to Calhan. Then use the same turns as above. (The drive is roughly 45 minutes from Limon.)
The last stretch of Paint Mine Road is a maintained county dirt road. If it’s rained recently, take it slowly and use a bit more caution.
There are three small parking areas (north, west, and south). Keep in mind, they’re sized for cars rather than big rigs. If you’re in anything larger than a camper van, your best bet is to set up camp first and then drive in with your tow vehicle or toad. Either way, if you’re visiting on a weekend, get there early as the lots can fill up pretty quickly.
Calhan is the closest town. This is where you’ll want to top off fuel, water, and snacks, as there are no services—including water—at the park. The only bathroom is in the main parking lot, so most people start their exploration there.
Where to Park Overnight
Since you can’t stay in the park, you’ll need a convenient home base. Fortunately, there are numerous choices—from quiet farm stays a few minutes away to full-service resorts less than an hour away in Colorado Springs.
The most convenient location is probably right in Calhan at Cadillac Jack’s RV Park & Campground, right along US-24 in the middle of town. There are a number of shaded sites with full hookups and pull-throughs. Basic amenities are available, and you can walk to grab lunch or dinner or pick up snacks and fuel up.
For a more memorable experience, Harvest Hosts and Hipcamp both list farms, ranches, and private properties in the area, including a few working alpaca farms where you can wake up to wide prairie views with Pikes Peak in the distance. Amenities, rig-size limits, and pet policies vary widely from one host to the next, so take time to read the listings closely before booking.
Heading toward Colorado Springs, you’ll find several RV parks near Falcon and Peyton, including the Falcon/Colorado Springs NE KOA Holiday. These put you roughly halfway between the Paint Mines and Colorado Springs and provide full hookups and room for big rigs. You can really explore the greater area, including the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Cave of the Winds, by taking advantage of one of the many RV resorts that provide a great base camp and launch point.
A Worthy Detour
Some of the best scenery doesn’t always have a campsite. It may take a bit more planning and a more adventurous spirit. Paint Mines Interpretive Park is a good reminder of that. Just bring plenty of water and slow down as you wander the trails, taking in how the light changes the colors around you—especially near dawn and dusk.
