Paint Mines Interpretive Park
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Closest City / Town: Calhan, Colorado
Driving Directions:
 | From Colorado Springs, head east on Highway 24. |
| Go through the Town of Calhan. |
| Hang a right (south) on Yoder Road; Yoder Road is located at the eastern end of Calhan. |
| Take a left (east) on Paint Mines Road. |
| Follow the road for approximately 1 mile. The trailhead is located on the left-hand side of the road. |
Hiking Distance: 1.8 miles (roundtrip)
Description: The hike down the paint mines formations is a relatively gentle stroll that follows a well-maintained foot path. All you have to do is continue to make right-hand turns at the three trail junctions that you will encounter while hiking (see the attached map).
Worth Noting: Paint Mines holds numerous treasures, human and natural alike. Human history in the park can be traced back 9,000 years. Native Americans used the colorful clays for pottery and ceremonial paints.
The natural geological features are mind-boggling. Hoodoos have been shaped by millions of years of clay deposits and subsequent erosion from both wind and water.
Palmer Land Trust holds a conservation easement on a portion of the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. Conservation easements are a specific type of contract that prevent property development, while protecting the natural resource.
Click on the thumbnails below to view a larger image:
Horned Toad
Paint Mines Formations