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If you’re seeking a truly unique destination for your next photography excursion, look no further than the Colorado Interpretive Paint Mines. Located in El Paso County, this geological wonder boasts a landscape unlike any other, complete with exotic formations and a rainbow of colors.
Colorful selenite clays and jasper combine to create a stunning playground of shapes, including spires, hoodoos, gullies, and a myriad of other uniquely named features. While the colors lend themselves perfectly to color photography, the shapes may be better represented in black and white, leaving you with a creative decision to make.
As with most outdoor photography, the best times to shoot at the Paint Mines are during sunrise and sunset. However, there is a caveat. The structures are located somewhat below ground level, creating a miniature canyon that makes the best light actually about an hour after sunrise and 1.5 hours before sunset. Be mindful of the sun’s position, as too much shadow can make it difficult to capture the full beauty of the formations.
The Paint Mines are quite a bit out of the way making it a more isolated destination. That said, it can be combined with a visit to the nearby Garden of the Gods or used as a stop on your way to or from The Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of reaching the Paint Mines, either. While there is a bit of hiking or walking involved, it’s a minimal amount and should be fully accessible to most people. The journey is well worth the reward, as you’ll be treated to a unique and otherworldly landscape that is a photographer’s dream.
The Paint Mines offer more than just stunning formations to photograph, though. The site is also rich with history and offers plenty of opportunities to explore.
For one, the Paint Mines are the site of ancient Native American quarries, and there is evidence of their mining efforts scattered throughout the landscape. You’ll also find remnants of more recent history, including the ruins of an early 1900s clay mine that operated on the site.
Of course, the main attraction is the formations themselves. The Paint Mines are a photographer’s delight, offering endless opportunities to capture unique shots of the colorful and exotic shapes. While you could easily spend days here exploring and photographing, be sure to allocate enough time to simply take in the wonder of the location.
