Paint Mines Interpretive Park

February 7, 2020February 7, 2020Chelsea Messina

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Paint Mines Interpretive Park is Colorado’s BEST KEPT SECRET. Logan and I had the perfect weekend in Colorado Springs, driving around and exploring the unique area. Just under an hour drive east if Colorado Springs will take you to Colorado’s most unique open space. The Paint Mines are given their name for their beautiful, bright colorful clays. The clay was once collected by American Indians to make paint in various colors.

The bright rainbow colored bands get their colors from oxidized iron compounds. The Paint Mines Interpretive Park contains evidence of human life from as far back as 9,000 years ago! The parks geological formations are spires and hoodoos, formed through various erosive actions. Creating gullies and layers of colored clay you see along the hike.

Stay in Colorado Springs

Located in Calhan, Colorado the park is a little off the grid so to speak. You will want to plan for one day to visit the park. The Calhan Inn is the only hotel in the immediate area. I would recommend staying in Colorado Springs so you have more restaurant and activities selections to choose from.

The park features beautiful wild flowers, colorful formations and is good for all skill levels. Paint Mines Trail is a 3.4 mile interpretive loop trail, that will take you through rainbow colored spires and hoo doos. The best time to use the trail is from March until October. We visited in January; and enjoyed our visit very much.

Paint Mines Location

29950 Paint Mines Road
Calhan, CO 80808

How to Get There

You will need your own vehicle to visit the park. There is no public transportation that will get you there. My recommendation is to pick up a rental car at Denver Airport for the weekend, so you can explore the area to the fullest.

Know Before You Go

Their is a restroom located at the main entrance of the park which is open year round.
The park is free to enter; and open dawn to dusk; a permit is available for those that want to take photographs at night.
Paint Mines Informational Brochure and Map (PDF)
Take nothing, and leave nothing behind.

Discover Colorado's hidden gem, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Rainbow colored formations just outside of Colorado Springs. #rainbow #paintmines #coloradoparks #hiddengem #paintminespark

The Paint Mines make a gorgeous location for all types of photography. Photographers may use the park for non-commercial portrait and landscape photography. Please follow all park rules including:

Stay on designated trails at all times.
Climbing and/or scrambling on Paint Mine formations is prohibited.
Bikes, Pets, and horses are prohibited.
Entering the Paint Mine formations is prohibited.
All plants, wildlife, rocks, minerals, and historic artifacts within park boundaries are protected by law.
Do not remove, destroy, or disturb any of these features.
Practice the Leave No Trace Principles

PLEASE STAY ON ALL TRAILS!

The people I captured in these next few pictures are breaking the above rules; by entering the paint mine formations and climbing/scrambling them.

INCORRECT

INCORRECT

You will still get beautiful pictures of the formations by following the leave no trace principles and park rules. Logan & I walked the trail through the formations, and then up to the top of the trailhead for a different perspective. There are so many ways you can get creative, and capture that perfect shot without damaging the formations.

Colorado's best best kept secret is also an open space park. Waiting to be explored, this hidden gem is a local secret. You'll find rainbow colored hoo doos and spires just outside of Colorado Springs. #rainbow #paintmines #coloradoparks #hiddengem #paintminespark

Colorado's best open space park is a hidden gem, most people have never heard of. Rainbow colored formations just outside of Colorado Springs. #rainbow #paintmines #coloradoparks #hiddengem #paintminespark

CORRECT

CORRECT

There are trails like the one in the picture above and below that will take you throughout the rock formations. It can be very narrow at times, but with plenty of room to step to the side for fellow hikers.

Witness a geological wonder within The Paint Mines Interpretive Park. When you visit, protect the park & please be considerate of the fragile formations. DO NOT stray from the trail.

Activities In The Area

For more activities in the Colorado Springs area, check out the options below. With so much to do in the area, I recommend stretching out your weekend with more days if you can. It will be worth it!

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The adventure guide to Colorado's paint mines interpretive park, just outside of Colorado Springs. #coloradosprings #openspace #paintmines #interpretivepark

Looking for more adventures? Check out my other posts to inspire!

These 20 National Parks are a must visit! Get your 2020 bucket list kicked off with one of these incredible parks! #nationalparks #unitedstates #canada #bucketlist

These 19 National Parks are a must visit! Get your bucket list for the year kicked off with one of these incredible parks! #nationalparks #unitedstates #canada #bucketlist

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Grassi Lakes Trail

November 25, 2019November 27, 2019Chelsea Messina

Grassi Lakes Trail

The Grassi Lakes Trail is a 4.3 kilometer (2.7 miles) out and back moderate hike located in the city of Canmore, in Alberta Canada. The local trail is just outside of Banff National Park. Canada wins for most beautiful lakes you’ve ever seen.

How to Get to Grassi Lakes Trail

Fly into Calgary YYC

Drive from Calgary to Canmore

Grassi Lakes Trailhead Location

To get to Grassi Lakes trailhead, go past the Canmore Nordic Centre and take a left down Ken Richie Way. You’ll head down a paved road to a parking lot on your right. Try to get there early to get a parking spot and hike with less people. The trail is mostly uphill taking you to 2 beautiful lakes. The trip back down can be risky if you’re not in the right footwear. I would highly recommend hiking boots for this hike.

There are two different trails leading up to the lakes, an “easy” path and a “difficult” path. We took the easier trail and it was still a steady uphill climb that was at times challenging. The trail is a wide gravel path and easy to follow. All-terrain strollers will make it up this route better. The “difficult” Grassi Lakes trail is offers much more excitement and killer views. I would not recommend strollers or young children take this trail. If the trail is wet or snowy wear crampons to avoid potential for injury.

Where to Stay in Canmore

Other things to do in Canmore

Have you hiked the Grassi Lakes trail? What did you think?!

If you enjoyed this article, share it with friends! Or pin for later to save it for your Canada adventure!

Heading to Canadas National Parks too? Check out my guides below!

National park guide covering Jasper + Banff + Yoho for what to do and what lakes to see. | HerLifeAdventures.Blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #nationalpark #nationalparkroadtrip #alberta #canada #britishcolombia

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Canadian Rockies National Parks

November 15, 2019January 18, 2020Chelsea Messina

Incredible photos to inspire your Canada National Park Adventure. Covering Jasper + Banff + Yoho | HerLifeAdventures.Blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #nationalpark #nationalparkroadtrip #alberta #canada #britishcolombia

Canadian Rockies National Parks

The Canadian Rockies National Parks are incredibly beautiful, and full of adventure. Have you ever seen pictures of some magical destination on social media and thought to yourself, there is no way those colors are real. That’s how I’ve felt each time I visit the Canadian Rockies National Parks and surrounding areas.

Getting There

Fly into Edmonton, the drive south will take you through 3 jaw dropping Canadian National Parks. Start in Jasper National Park and make your way down the ice fields parkway through Banff National Park & end in Yoho National Park. Flying home out of Calgary will save you time and money.

National Park Road Trip

Imagine…experiencing ancient glaciers, waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and emerald lakes as you road trip through the Canadian Rockies into the National Parks. The colors are bright, vibrant and unbelievably breathtaking.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park has plenty of adventurous activities to offer visitors. From rock climbing, to white water rafting- this is an adventurers dream park. Check out my Adventurers Guide to Jasper National Park HERE for more info!

Maligne Lake

Sulfer Skyline

Sulphur Skyline is a 7.7 kilometer moderate out and back trail in Jasper National Park. The park hot springs are located at the trailhead. I recommend bringing your bathing suit to relax after your hike. PS: The trailhead also has an ice-cream shop, need I say more?

Second Lake

2nd lake in Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada and more incredible photos to inspire your Canada National Park Adventure. Covering Jasper + Banff + Yoho | HerLifeAdventures.Blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #nationalpark #nationalparkroadtrip #alberta #canada #britishcolombia

Fourth Lake

In Jasper National Park there is a 4.5 kilometer trail called Valley of the Five Lakes. The Loop is rated as moderate and is dotted with 5 lakes and breathtaking mountain views. The trail is primarily used for hiking, with the best time being from March to October.

Ice-fields Parkway

The Icefields Pathway will take your breathe away, as you drive the famous stretch of road. The drive is an adventure itself as it takes you through the Canadian rockies national parks. The road goes from Jasper down to Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta.

Along the drive you’ll see hundreds of ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and crystal clear emerald lakes. All surrounded by sweeping valleys of thick pine and rich forests.

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is a glacier fed lake in Banff National Park. The lake is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. A short hike up the trail will bring you to this breathtaking view of Peyto Lake.

Banff National Park

Lake Louise

Perhaps one of the most crowded lakes in Banff National Park- Lake Louise is known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks. Hiking trails wind up to the Lake Agnes Tea House giving hikers a bird’s-eye view of the lake. You can rent canoes in summer, or skate on a frozen glacier lake skating rink. The lake has a ski resort with a gondola, making this a popular winter destination as well.

Lake Moraine

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta Canada and more Incredible photos to inspire your Canada National Park Adventure. Covering Jasper + Banff + Yoho | HerLifeAdventures.Blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #nationalpark #nationalparkroadtrip #alberta #canada #britishcolombia

This iconic jaw-dropping shade of turquoise is sure to leave a lasting impression. The waters are the most amazing color, and set in the Valley of Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Alberta. The lake is great for kayaking, hiking or picnicking as it is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles.

Yoho National Park

The least visited of the 3 Canadian rockies national parks is Yoho National Park, in British Colombia. The park should not be overlooked by its more famous siblings Banff & Jasper. The park is half as busy as Banff offering visitors over 61 beautiful lakes to explore.

Emerald Lake

Emerald lake is the largest in the park. Canoe’s are available for rent out on the absolutely beautiful glacial-fed lake with vibrant turquoise colored water.

Yoho national park emerald lake, British Colombia Canada and more incredible photos to inspire your Canada National Park Adventure. Covering Jasper + Banff + Yoho | HerLifeAdventures.Blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #nationalpark #nationalparkroadtrip #alberta #canada #britishcolombia

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Jasper National Park lakes in Alberta Canada and more incredible photos to inspire your Canada National Park Adventure. Covering Jasper + Banff + Yoho | HerLifeAdventures.Blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #nationalpark #nationalparkroadtrip #alberta #canada #britishcolombia

Under a half hour away from Banff lies a hidden gem in the town of Canmore. Grassi Lakes in Alberta, Canada is a must do hike in Banff area.

For more adventures, check out my other National Park guides!

Complete Travel Guide to Olympic National Park in Washington, USA | HerLifeAdventures.Blog #olympic #nationalpark #washington #seattle #thingstodo #wheretogo

19 Extraordinary National Parks to Visit in 2019 | herlifeadventures.blog | #nationalparks #thebest #wheretogo #bestnationalparks

The adventurers guide to Jasper National Park, in Alberta Canada. | HerLifeAdventures.Blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #nationalpark #nationalparkroadtrip #alberta #canada #britishcolombia

National Park packing list for camping | herlifeadventures.blog | #nationalpark #packingguide #camp #gear #packinglist

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Big Sky Montana Winter Adventure Guide

March 3, 2019February 27, 2020Chelsea Messina

The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

The Adventurers Guide to Big Sky Montana

Big Sky is a community within the Rocky Mountains of southern Montana. Located halfway between Yellowstone & the city of Bozeman. The area has no local government (which is why it is considered a “community” not a town- neat, right?), so the community is primarily supported by locals and tourism.

Drone Shot Big Sky Montana The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

Big Sky is known for it’s incredible mountains and ski slopes. Hike to frozen waterfalls, snow shoe up a mountain, or take a sleigh ride. Big Sky Montana has something for everyone.

Here’s the adventurers guide to Big Sky, Montana!

Big Sky is home to epic ski resorts, a historic dude ranch, and incredible outdoor adventures. All bringing plenty of excitement to this friendly community year round.

Winter Snow Covered Cabin Montana The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

This winter I set out to explore the community and its surrounding area with some girlfriends. We spent the perfect winter weekend exploring the high summits and beautiful surrounding nature. Here’s my tips and recommendations for the perfect Big Sky Montana winter adventure!

Getting to Big Sky

Plane window at sunset The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel

The nearest airport to Big Sky Montana is Bozeman Yellowstone International airport (BZN). The quaint airport is warm and welcoming with beautiful stone fireplaces and wood accents throughout the halls.

Where to Stay & Get Cozy After Adventures

AirBnb Condo Fireplace Montana The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

Affiliate Disclosure

This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of my affiliate links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission for referring you. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally used + loved.

Another AirBnb for the win for Big Sky. Our condo was super cozy with a warm stone fireplace in the group gathering area. The condo was in an alpine valley surrounded by rivers and panoramic mountain views named the “Meadow” area of Big Sky.

Winter Adventures in Big Sky

Snowboard Big Sky!

Shop for my favorite winter boots for hiking and your outdoor adventures!

Snowshoe to a Frozen Ousel Falls

Snow Shoeing Big Sky Montana The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

Montana Snow Pile The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

Snow Shoe Up Ski Slopes

snow shoe big sky Montana The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

Go On A Winter Adventure to Frozen Waterfalls

Frozen Waterfall rock wall The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

If you run out of water, just eat icicles like Lenka.

Eat icicles frozen waterfall The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

Explore the Trails of Callatin National Forest Montana

Callatin National Forest in Winter The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

Go For A Sleigh Ride

Go Sledding Down a Hill

Snow Shoe Bridge Big Sky Montana Winter The adventure guide to Big Sky Montana in the winter. | herlifeadventures.blog | #traveldestinations #travelideas #northamericatravel #traveltips #usdestinations #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #roadtrip #bigsky #montana #adventureguide #winteractivities #wintertravel

Looking for more inspiration to plan your getaway?

Adventure travel blog featuring weekend getaways, adventure travel, national parks, and sustainable travel. | herlifeadventures.blog | #adventure #travel #weekendgetaway
#adventuretravel #nationalparks #sustainable

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6 Must See Cenotes Near Tulum

January 6, 2019October 6, 2019Chelsea Messina

Must see cenote in Tulum. Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and more! Quintana Roo Mexico | herlifeadventures.blog | #mexico #mexicotravel #mexicopacking #wheretostay #hiddengem #mexicovacation #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #traveltips #northamerica #traveldestinations #travelexperience #bestbeach #cenote #beautifulplaces #adventure #explore

Tulum is a Mexican town on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula. We spent 4 days in this gorgeous area known for its beaches, well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins, and CENOTES!

There are over 3,000 unique cenotes throughout the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. A cenote is a freshwater filled Mexican sinkhole. The word Cenote is of Mayan decent originally called dzonot or ts’onot, meaning well. The cenotes played a crucial role in the development of the Mayan civilization as the main freshwater source inland. The cenotes are mostly found in the crater area that formed from the meteorite impact (the same meteorite responsible for the dinosaur extinction in this area).

The cenotes are great for swimming, diving, snorkeling and spotting wildlife! The extensive underground river systems, make this area of Mexico the best place to experience cave diving, snorkeling or other water activities!

Important Know Before You Go:

Keep in mind that most cenotes are swim at your own risk. If you are not a strong swimmer, it is recommended that you rent a life vest if available.
Mexican dive laws don’t necessarily align with other countries laws. Some cenote dives can be dangerous for inexperienced divers- dive your experience level, and if you feel you can’t dive, opt for snorkeling or swimming instead, like I did!
Do not wear sunscreen or insect repellant in the cenotes; the chemicals are damaging to aquatic life.
Bring cash to cover the entrance fees
Most cenotes are remotely located and can be difficult to get to. When you arrive, some may have limited or no concessions for food/drink so plan accordingly

Instagram Worthy Caleta Tankah

Caleta Tankah or the “secret cenote” was magical. The colors of the cenote are absolutely breathtaking. Maybe I’m a bit biased this being my first cenote encounter and all… but Caleta Tankah was my favorite cenote we visited.

For more info check out my post on this Hidden Gem With The Secret Cenote!

Best Diving Dos ojos

Of the 6 travelers in our group four of them were certified while myself and one other were not. While the divers explored the cenotes below the 500 meters below the surface, I snorkeled around the surface! There wasn’t a ton of fish to see, but the rock formations above and below the surface were incredible.

Kayak at Casa Cenote

As with most cenotes, Casa Cenote offered scuba diving and snorkeling. But what the others didn’t have, this cenote did! This time as the diving crew submerged below the water, I kayaked! It was great, because the water is crystal clear and following them was easy.

Scuba Dive in Cenotes!

Until they would disappear under a mangrove. Keep an eye out for the local that lives at Casa Cenote, he’s adorable.

Family Friendly Grand Cenote

Must see cenotes in Tulum. Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and more! Quintana Roo Mexico | herlifeadventures.blog | #mexico #mexicotravel #mexicopacking #wheretostay #hiddengem #mexicovacation #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #traveltips #northamerica #traveldestinations #travelexperience #bestbeach #cenote #beautifulplaces #adventure #explore

Located a short drive from Tulumthis popular cenote will amaze you. Contrary to it’s name, the Gran cenote is actually several cenotes connected by wooden walkways. The water is crystal clear and colorful! To keep it that way, they require everyone to rinse off in an outdoor shower before entering the cenote. This is a great family spot, as there are lots of green space and picnic areas.

Zip Line at Xunaan-Ha Cenote

For $100 pesos you can zipline yourself into this adventurous cenote until your hearts content. Xunaan-Ha cenote is located down a long bumpy dirt road in the small town of Chemuyil, just a short drive from Tulum or Playa Del Carmen. This cenote is not as crowded as the more popular surrounding cenotes such as the Gran.

High Dive at Car wash

The last and final dive the travel crew did was in the car wash cenote. We asked where the name came from… and it is exactly as it sounds. Due to its close proximity to the roadway- this cenote used to be used to wash the locals cars!

What cenotes did you explore on your Yucatan adventure?!

Check out my Adventurers Guide to 7 Days in Quintana Roo!

The Adventurers Guide to 1 Week in Tulum. Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and more! Quintana Roo Mexico | herlifeadventures.blog | #mexico #mexicotravel #mexicopacking #wheretostay #hiddengem #mexicovacation #travelhacks #travelguide #adventuretravel #traveltips #northamerica #traveldestinations #travelexperience #bestbeach #cenote #beautifulplaces #adventure #explore

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