Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Calhan, CO
Posted: May 20th, 2008 | Author: Roselyn Ludwig | Filed under: Colorado | Tags: Calhan, Colorado, Colorado Springs, dayhike, geology, hoodoos, Paint Mines, parks, photos, prairie | 11 Comments »
What it is: A badlands-type area in the Colorado prairie. Gullies, spires, hoodoos, and sculpted walls carved out of brightly colored clay deposits.
Location: About a 5 minute drive from Calhan, Colorado, approx. 30 miles east of Colorado Springs. Take Hwy 24 to Calhan, turn right on Yoder Rd., and follow the signs.
Gear: Nothing special. Wear sneakers or trail shoes and bring a water bottle and a snack.
Distance: Four miles of easy trails.
Details: This place is a well-kept secret. The sites listing “places to see in the Colorado Springs area” don’t mention it. When you arrive at the parking area (there’s a big stone sign declaring the park’s entrance), you won’t see anything spectacular — just prairie in every direction. Pick a trail — doesn’t matter which one, they all intersect and take you to the same spots — and go. The park is rich in plant and animal life and is a beautiful example of native prairie.
Sooner or later you’ll walk up on the expanse of natural clay sculpture. It is nothing short of spectacular — chasms, spires, overhangs, carved walls, the works. The colorful clays — layers of snowy white, golden yellow, rose pink and purplish mauve — are what give the park its name. Native Americans used the deposits for paints and pottery, and settlers later mined the clay to make bricks.
Though they look like solid stone, the hoodoos and other formations are in fact very fragile. When wet, the clay will rub off on your fingers and leave colorful smears on your clothes. Scrambling up and over the formations is discouraged; you’re literally hastening their erosion with every step.
I need to know if there are restrooms at this site. Please let me know. It looks like a great place to visit.
There are some toilets there; however they seem to be open only seasonally. Last time I was there, they were locked.
Do you know if dogs are allowed in the park if they are on a leash?
Yes, dogs are allowed.
is there a place were you can actually dig up the clay and take it home? We are looking for clay to build an adobe oven.
Well, not at Paint Mines. As you know it’s a county park set aside for preservation. I suppose you could go out to Calhan and visit with some locals. I wonder if the material in that vicinity is suitable for adobe construction. You certainly want the right mix of clay, sand, etc.
Thanks so much, of course the county park must be preserved. I will check with someone local.
Thx for the article!!
Thanks for the nice information. I might add that dogs, horses, and bicycles are now prohibited in the park. The park is truly a jewel that needs all our protection.
My elderly mother wants to visit the park, but mobility is an issue. Can we see much of anything from the car? Are the trails easy enough to push her in a wheel chair??
I recommend you continue past the first parking area. You’ll get a pretty good view from the road about a half mile further up. If you continue on, the road curves left; there is a second parking area about half mile after the curve. The broad trail from there is definitely smooth enough for a wheel chair and leads to a great overlook about 200 yards up.