Last updated: June 17, 2022
Thing to Do
Painted Cove Trail
NPS Photo
The Painted Cove Trail is 0.25 mi (0.4 km) roundtrip. The Painted Cove is an amazing color palette of vibrant rocks. A portion of this trail features a level boardwalk to cross over sensitive soils.
Please stay on the designated trail.
Please stay on the designated trail.
Details
Duration
10-30 Minutes
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Painted Hills Unit
Trailhead is located in the Painted Hills Unit. From HWY 26, drive 6 miles in on Burnt Ranch Rd. and make a left-hand turn onto Bear Creek Rd. at the Painted Hills Unit entrance. From the unit entrance, drive 1.8 miles on Bear Creek Rd. and turn right onto the road towards the Painted Cove Trail. Drive 0.3 miles to the Painted Cove Trail parking lot and the trailhead will be on your left-hand side. Large RVs and travel-trailers are not recommended to park in this parking lot because of limited parking space.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
The Painted Cove Trail is 0.25 miles around. This dirt trail has an average width of 72.2 inches with a minimum width of 39 inches.
There is a boardwalk at the trailhead that is wheelchair accessible. There are five exposed wooden steps 6 inches high following the boardwalk. There is a bench near the end of the trail loop.
Potential hazards: exposed wooden steps, rocks, muddy after rain and snow, boardwalk slippery after rain and snow
There is a boardwalk at the trailhead that is wheelchair accessible. There are five exposed wooden steps 6 inches high following the boardwalk. There is a bench near the end of the trail loop.
Potential hazards: exposed wooden steps, rocks, muddy after rain and snow, boardwalk slippery after rain and snow