The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of El Paso County’s most unique open spaces. The Paint Mines are named for their colorful clays that were collected by American Indians to make paint. This trip begins and ends at the famous Union Station, in Denver, Colorado. For more information or to book this hike, click here.
Brightly colored bands, caused by oxidized iron compounds, are found in varying amounts throughout the many different layers of clay. The geological formations are special to this area of Colorado and looks more like something you’d see in Utah. Its not easy to access this area since its in the middle of nowhere off a dirt road. The paint mines have evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago. The park features fantastic geological formations including spires and hoodoos that form through erosive action that creates incised gullies and exposed layers of selenite clay and jasper. The park includes a restroom facility, four miles of trails, interpretive signage, and many natural wonders.
I can pick you up at your hotel or Airbnb in Denver or Colorado Springs and take you about an hour and a half to the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. It features colorful geological formations including spires and hoodoos that form through erosive action that creates incised gullies and exposed layers of selenite clay and jasper. The hike is 3.4 miles and takes about an hour and a half to complete. Its around 6,500 feet so not as high as most of the mountains west of Denver so altitude sickness shouldn’t be an issue.
This activity lasts about five hours and costs $120.00. This trip begins and ends at the famous Union Station, in Denver, Colorado. For more information or to book this hike, click here.
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