Tag Archives: day trips

DAY TRIP: PAINT MINES INTERPRETIVE PARK – CALHAN, CO

Paint Mines
Paint Mines

A “MUST SEE”!  Take a short drive from Colorado Springs to the rolling hills of the Paint Mines in Calhan, Colorado for a relaxing day trip. Within a few minutes hiking along easy designated trails, colorful shapes will emerge one-by-one like a baby Grand Canyon in the Colorado prairie.

 

 

 

 

Paint Mines
Paint Mines

From the parking area, there’s approximately four miles of “easy” hiking trails to the Paint Mines. We allowed about two hours for our roundtrip visit and was more than enough time to see what we came for. Note: Visitors are advised to stay on the designated hiking trails at all times to protect the natural wonders of these fragile spires and hoodoos in the Paint Mines Interpretive Park.

 

HISTORY:

Relentless wind and water from “freeze thaw” conditions has created the spires, hoodoos and terraced layers of colorful clay and sand that you’ll see.

For the past 55 million years, The Paint Mines has been a work in progress.

American Indians used this land for hunting as well utilizing the local clays to build pots and ceremonial paint.

Paint Mines
Paint Mines

Directions: About 30 minutes from Colorado Springs, travel to the end of the town of Calhan via Hwy 24 and turn right on Yoder Rd and follow signs.

Park Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Admission: FREE

Note: There’s restroom facilities however, bring your own water and or food. The nearest store for consumables is several miles away in Calhan. It is recommended to check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly since there are sometimes constant winds at the Paint Mines.

Motor vehicles, pets and horses, alcoholic beverages and glass containers, discharge of guns as well as removing any plant, animal or rock life is strictly prohibited.

BAD WEATHER APPROACHING
BAD WEATHER APPROACHING

 

 

CAUTION: WATCH FOR STORMS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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