Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Type … Hike
Highlights … Geological Features
Seasons … All Seasons (better Spring-Fall)
Difficulty with Kids … Easy
Trail Details … 2.2 Miles or less, Loop (AllTrails)
Closest Town … Colorado Springs
Shade … None
Parking Situation … Plenty (weekends in the summer can be busy)
Potty Situation … Pit Toilets at Trailhead
I hesitated a smidge to put Paint Mines up on the site because I would consider it a bit of a “one-and-done” hike, and I probably wouldn’t go back again. Mostly because it’s quite a drive from the foothills but if you’re headed to Colorado Springs, it's worth a pit stop.
There are a few trail options at the park. You can do the full 2.2 mile loop which will take you to a number of rock formations. We missed the main formations at the start so kinda dragged the kids around the full loop before getting to the good part. My strategy typically is to get to the fun spot as quickly as possible and then see what energy is left over. Live and learn!
The formations aren’t quite as colorful as I was expecting but the kids thought they were incredible and fun to climb. You aren’t technically supposed to climb them (sorry if someone is sensitive about this!) but everyone there was doing so we felt OK to join in.
TRAIL TIPS
Pack your hats! Bring all the sun coverings because it gets hot here and there is zero shade. It has desert vibes out there so be prepared!
Can be muddy. Boy was it muddy when we went - our hiking shoes still haven’t fully recovered. AllTrails will be a good resource to determine how muddy it is. Definitely pack extra shoes and clothes to change into after.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. If you haven’t been to the zoo, put it on your list ASAP! It’s a haul from the foothills but it really is the best little zoo. It’s built right into the mountainside so the views are gorgeous and many of the habitats are made right from nature. It’s also very interactive - you can feed the giraffes (and sometimes elephants), you can walk right into the wallaby exhibit, and there is a funny goat exhibit. They have a chair lift that you can ride to see the zoo from above. 10/10 recommend adding this to your day if you go out to Paint Mines. ADVANCED TICKETS REQUIRED.
Rudy’s BBQ. Right by Cheyenne, there is a Rudy’s BBQ - being a Texas girl, I love Rudy’s and it’s a fun experience for kids. They have a huge covered porch and patio to sit out on and enjoy a beautiful day.
View at the main formations
Really fun to explore the caverns
Views from the far side of the loop
There are small formations everywhere
Plenty of room to roam