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Hiking – Paint Mines Interpretive Trail Loop

Trip

Hiking – Paint Mines Interpretive Trail Loop

A 4-5-mile, casual, and social hike in the Paint Mines Interpretive Park open space to enjoy the colorful clays and fantastic geological formations. An easy to moderate trail with some inclines, and may be muddy and slippery on the clay trail

Contacts

Glenn Barr
Glenn Barr
Primary Leader
  • Sat, Feb 18, 2023
  • Pikes Peak
  • Hiking
  • Youth, Adults
  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 4.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 334 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,600 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2mph

Meet: We will meet at the trailhead at 8:00am for a trailhead brief and equipment check.
29950 Paint Mines Road, Calhan, CO 80808

Restroom: Located in the main entrance parking area that is open year-round.

Driving Directions: Take Hwy 24 east from Colorado Springs to Calhan, turn south on Yoder Road/Calhan Highway, turn east on Paint Mines Road and look for the designated parking area.  Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/pWdq73Ybs332HYT4A

Trip Overview.  A casual and social hike in the Paint Mines Interpretive Park open space to enjoy the colorful clays caused by oxidized iron compounds and fantastic geological formations including spires and hoodoos formed through erosive action creating gullies and exposed layers of selenite clay and jasper.

  • No Pets - prohibited by Park Rules
  • We will travel as a group while enjoying the scenery and the historical highlights of this important nature area
  • Pace driven by the group - we are not in a hurry
  • Could be muddy and slippery - the trail is made of clay
  • Plenty of time for photos
  • We will practice Leave No Trace principles - especially being courteous to other hikers as we will be the larger group
  • After Hike Social Time - for those interested

Carpooling from Colorado Springs. Interested in carpooling?  

  • Meet to depart at 7:10 to from  I25 and Woodman Road Park and Ride, 6910 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919  Google Map https://goo.gl/maps/sKZjrgBpFPRQRRuX9  
  • If you are interested in driving/riding -- send me a note to see if we can come up with a plan and match some folks up.
Route/Place

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • Ten essentials - dress for the weather
  • Footwear for muddy/wet trail conditions
  • Winter traction and trekking poles may be an asset
Trip Reports