Colorado Travel Journal - Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Saturday, 19 May 2007

Hoodoos at Paint Mines

Colorful clay and stone spires called "hoodoos' punctuate the landscape at Paint Mines Interpretive Park near Calhan. This El Paso County park preserves one of the few areas of its kind in Colorado. The bright red, orange, yellow, purple, and gray bands of clay that form the spires have been protected from erosion over millions of years by hard capstones. Vestiges of a ancient tropical forest remain as scattered pieces of petrified wood.

Paint Mines has been used by humans for over 9,000 years. This was a favorite hunting ground for early American Indians, who probably used the area to survey for game and entrap them. The petrified wood was used by the Indians to fashion dart and arrow points, and ceremonial paint and pottery were made from the clays. These Plains Woodland ceramics were the earliest in Eastern Colorado. Because of this rich prehistoric heritage, the area has been designated as an Archeological District in the National Register of Historic Places. In the 1800's, Euro-Americans, who settled the region for agriculture and ranching, used the clay to make bricks that were used as far away as Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

Pronghorn Antelope near Paint Mines

Much of the original tall grass prairie along with the bison herds have disappeared. Short and mid-grass species such as Buffalo Grass and Blue Grama now dominate, accented in the Spring by fields of colorful wildflowers. Stream bottoms support mountain mahagony, chokecherry, and wild roses. Pronghorn antelope, red foxes, mule deer, and coyotes are commonly seen here along with small mammals such as raccoons, skunks, and rabbits. Large Short Horned Lizards scurry through the grass, while Swainson's and ferruginous hawks and prairie falcons soar above. Birds are plentiful and vocal in the park. Commonly seen is the Lark Bunting, Colorado's state bird, noted for its spectacular song and dance. Also plentiful are Mountain Plovers, Western Meadowlarks, owls, ducks, Mourning Doves, and magpies.

Short Horned Lizard at Paint Mines

Visitors can hike on 4.5 miles of trails that wind through the hoodoos, prairie, and streams. Where the trails reach their highest point, snow-capped Pikes Peak can be seen rising in the distance. Although the trails are not difficult, it is advisable to bring water along and to wear waterproof shoes if hiking the stream bed section of the trail after a rain. Paint Mines is a very pleasant way to spend a half day, especially in the Spring, and is a welcome escape from the crowds and noise of the city.

Directions: Take Highway 24 east from Colorado Springs to Calhan; turn south on Yoder Road/Calhan Highway and drive about a mile to Paint Mines Road; turn east on Paint Mines Road and drive about 1.5 miles to the first designated parking area.

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