About 90 minutes south east of Denver is the Paint Mines Interpretative Park. This hidden gem in Colorado has evidence of human activity dating back to more than 9,000 years ago. What is so special about this park is how much of several colors you see.
There are a few winding trails, about a mile each that give you a good idea of the geology and ecology of the area and of course the ‘fun’ trail that brings you up close to the formations. There are signs posted to not climb them…but both adults and children disrespected that when we were there – please don’t climb the formations – they are fragile and special and we want future generations to enjoy them.
Early people collected the red, orange, yellow, purple and gray clays to make paint and used it in ceramics and probably other things. This colorful clay is the result of oxidized iron compounds. I won’t pretend to know any more than that from what I read in the park brochure.
We had water with us for the drive, and a protein bar which we ate before arriving. This is more or less in the middle of no where. When we were done exploring, we thought we’ll just go to the nearest town and get some lunch. That proved difficult and I was upset with myself for not looking into this at home before we left since our cell service was touch and go in parts of the area. We traveled south west towards Colorado Springs and ended up in this hole in the wall restaurant in the middle of no where and had a mediocre hamburger. Since we were close to Colorado Springs, I rang my friend and we met up with them at a brewery for a little bit before we headed home.
Date Visited: March 2018
Paint Mines Interpretive Park Website
Location: 29950 Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808
Fee: FREE
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