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Paint Mines, Colorado

Discussion in 'Scenic, Architecture, and Travel' started by DMLarson, Jun 25, 2015.

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  1. DMLarson

    DMLarson Mu-43 Regular

    77
    Aug 19, 2014
    Dan
    This spot is about 40 miles northeast of Colorado Springs, Colorado, or a few miles outside of the town of Calhan, Colorado. It is an interpretive park maintained by the county of El Paso. There is no use fee. There are a few miles of good trails that cross the prairie in this park. The paint mines themselves are a small eroded area in the middle of the prairie. It is a short walk, approximately 1/2 mile, to the rock formations from the nearest trailhead, and about another 1/4 mile to the end of the formations.

    Native Americans used this area in prehistoric and historic times to mine clays to use for ceremonial paints and painting pottery.
    on Flickr
     
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2016
    DMLarson, Jun 25, 2015
    #1
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  2. Tenpenny

    Tenpenny Mu-43 Veteran Subscribing Member

    300
    Mar 16, 2015
    Nampa, Idaho
    Brent Watkins
    I'm jealous of how much you get around! I'm a sucker for unique geology. The color and light on shot 4 almost makes it look like some of the rocks are illuminated from inside. Beautiful country and great photos.
     
    Tenpenny, Jun 25, 2015
    #2
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  3. maritan

    maritan Mu-43 Veteran

    383
    Oct 30, 2014
    That reflected light is killer.

    Reminds me of pictures of Painted Hills in Oregon but on a much more intimate scale. Never seen those in person either.
     
    maritan, Jun 25, 2015
    #3
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  4. Harvey Melvin Richards

    Harvey Melvin Richards Photo Posting Junkie Subscribing Member

    8,292
    Feb 15, 2014
    Southwest Utah
    Very nice. You should visit Cathedral Gorge State Park in Nevada. It's about 90 miles west of Cedar City on US 93.
     
    Harvey Melvin Richards, Jun 25, 2015
    #4
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  5. hazwing

    hazwing Mu-43 Hall of Famer

    2,008
    Nov 25, 2012
    Australia
    Some of those rock formations remind me of capaddocia in Turkey
     
    hazwing, Jun 26, 2015
    #5
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  6. Crdome

    Crdome Mu-43 Hall of Famer Subscribing Member

    4,766
    Sep 11, 2011
    West Central Indiana
    Chrome
    Thank you! What a treat, though I'm bummed too. I grew up in the Springs and visit every year. I was unaware of this bit of paradise. I will definitely plan an adventure on my next pilgrimage.
     
    Crdome, Jul 10, 2015
    #6
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  7. Crdome

    Crdome Mu-43 Hall of Famer Subscribing Member

    4,766
    Sep 11, 2011
    West Central Indiana
    Chrome

    I was trying to remember this group of flowers and leaves which look vaguely familiar. The contemplation was long, but Sweet peas?
     
    Crdome, Jul 10, 2015
    #7
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