HAPPY TRAILS: The Paint Mines

People have been attracted to the rainbow-sherbet-color rock formations of the Paint Mines near Calhan for centuries, but another color show there is much less-well-known. In wet springs, such as this one, the short grass prairie erupts in wildflowers. May and early June are the best times to catch the show.

To get there

Take U.S. Highway 24 east of Colorado Springs about 35 miles to Calhan. On the east side of town, turn south on Yoder Street. Drive 0.6 miles. Turn east on Paint Mine Road. Follow the road 1.5 miles, past a sharp turn, to a trailhead. For more direct access to the Paint Mines formations, continue south 1.7 miles, veering left at the fork.

The hike

The four miles of trails in this 750-acre county park make a rough figure eight. The colored rock spires that give the park its name lie close to the intersection of the eight, so any path will lead you there. On the way, keep an eye out for wildflowers such as star-shape spring beauty, waxy yucca flowers, tiny purple spiderwort and floppy white evening primrose.

Living prairie

The Paint Mines are particularly pleasant at dusk in late May and June, when the prairie is a lush green and nighthawks call from high above.
Most of the paths meander through the prairie, where wild roses bloom in sandy bottoms and the complementary hues of blue stem grass and spiky yucca bristle on the hills. Look for coyotes and pronghorns.

Colorful formations

The best rock formations are in the southwest spur of the park. The Paint Mines are formed from the Dawson Arkose, a sedimentary rock formation laid down about 55 million years ago. The bright colors are clays spiked with oxidized iron. The same rock shows up in the white bluffs of Palmer Park. Wander, explore, but don't climb on the delicate formations.

Details

Open dawn to dusk. No camping, no bikes, no dogs, no horses. Stay off formations.

Rating

A scale of one to four boots. One is easiest, with little elevation gain, and it is at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme length or altitude.

RATING

• 1 boot
• 1-4 miles
• 150-foot elevation gain