The Paint Mines - Hiking Eastern Colorado

When people think of Colorado, they think of the Rocky Mountains, and no wonder it's the largest mountain range in North America! What most tourists don't know is that the eastern half of the state of Colorado is basically a sea of prairie and range land, a region known as the high plains. But don't write this part of the state off, there's plenty of hiking and exploring to do if you know where to look.

One such feature worth visiting is the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, located northeast of Colorado Springs. Winding gullies cut deep across the prairie landscape, revealing weathering sandstone and clay that gives way to a chromatic display of colors. Varying hues of purple, red, yellow, gray, and brown emerge as the sunlight calls different tones into the spotlight depending on the time of day. Hoodoos and other unique rock formations dot this surreal terrain.

Trails are provided to lead hikers on an excursion across the prairie and into the canyon. This is a fun hike with plenty of photo opportunities and provides a journey across the High Plains of Colorado, a region many overlook. Oh and it's always windy, so plan to put up with the wind!

Outro Song: Explorer's Theme - composed and performed on piano by me.