Paint Mines in Calhan
April 2nd from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Free Field Trip Sponsored by the SRDA and Story Tellers Travels
Terrain Details: Gentle to rolling with some uneven terrain.
Are you 50+? Want to stay active and meet new friends? Join us as we walk the beauty of the Painted Mines.
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of El Paso County’s most unique open spaces. The Paint Mines are named for their colorful clays that were collected by American Indians to make paint. Brightly colored bands, caused by oxidized iron compounds, are found in varying amounts throughout the many different layers of clay.
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is located in the northeast section of the
County near Calhan with approximately 750 acres. The paint mines have
evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago. The park features
fantastic geological formations including spires and hoodoos that form through erosive action that creates incised gullies and exposed layers of selenite clay and jasper. The park includes a restroom facility, four miles of trails, interpretive signage, and many natural wonders.