Colorado \\ Interpretive Paint Mines

During my solo trip to Colorado I went on a unique adventure each day and by far my favorite was the Interpretive Paint Mines. I went on a cold morning in March so I didn’t see another person for several hours because I woke up super early and was there for sunrise. The paint mines have evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago plus geological formations including spires and hoodoos that form through erosive action that creates incised gullies and exposed layers of selenite clay and jasper. Oxidized iron compounds create brightly colored bands throughout the clay. Native American tribes that the area utilized the mines include Apache, Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa, and Ute. Tribes would gather clay from the area to make paints for a variety of ceramics – hence the name paint mines.

If you’re planning a trip to Colorado then check out the Interpretive Paint Mines!