While many outdoor recreationists in Colorado keep taking care of the state’s unique landscape at the forefront of their minds, some people enter the outdoors in a careless and reckless manner.

A hiker spotted unnatural, human-made markings on several of the rock formations at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park near Calhan earlier this week. A blue heart can be seen on one of the rocks, along with purple streaks. The word “love” was found painted on another large rock formation.

See images of the vandalism below:

The rock formations at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park are known for being very fragile. Climbing or hiking on the rock formations is strictly prohibited as this can increase erosion and decay. All the plants, wildlife, rocks, minerals, and historic artifacts within park boundaries are also protected by state law.

For the first offense of vandalism, the fine is $200. For the second offense, it is $250 followed by $500 for the third offense. However, if the acts of vandalism fall into any other laws, there may be additional fines and penalties.

According to Park Operations Manager Brian Bobeck, the process to clean up the graffiti involves scrapping off the markings using a wire brush to avoid damage to the fragile formations.

The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is located about 30 miles east from Colorado Springs and is managed by El Paso County. The interactive park is surrounded by farms and wind turbines, offering four miles of trails weaving through the colorful formations. Pets, horses, and bicycles of any kind are prohibited.

Named for the presence of colorful clays once used by American Indians to make paint, the interpretive park is well-known for its geological formations consisting of hoodoos, colored clay, and sandstone-capped spires. There’s also evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago.

Here’s a look at where the park is located on the map.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at (719) 390-5555.

Editor’s Note: Nature isn’t the place for graffiti. Leave No Trace. Remember to respect any natural area you are exploring and pack out all trash with you.