Paint Mines

A couple weeks ago the family went exploring and took a hike at the Paint Mines in Calhan. 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case caught a horny toad and a tobacco grasshopper before the hike even got started. 

  



Even though the boys are not expert climbers every one took their turn climbing up a few of the formations.  There were a few slips and a lot of 'woa's but everyone prevailed. 

 

I'm not sure the pictures do the rocks justice.  People have been attracted to the rainbow-sherbet-color rock formations of the Paint Mines for centuries.  The colorful clays — layers of snowy white, golden yellow, rose pink and purplish mauve — are what give the park its name. Native Americans used the deposits for paints and pottery, and settlers later mined the clay to make bricks.  The Paint Mines are formed from the Dawson Arkose, a sedimentary rock formation laid down about 55 million years ago. The bright colors, layers, patterns and stripes are clays spiked with oxidized iron.  Looking at the sight I couldn't help but think this was Gods original easter egg. 

 

  



After a little practice Case even went on a solo climb.  That little yellow and blue dot in the center of the pic is Case.  I think we are well on our way to raising some crunchy granola Colorado loving children. 

  



Victory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Our family :)  Although this looks like a sweet little pic.  This picture reminds me that the ENTIRE hike I had to hold Cole.  Cole wouldn't walk for anything and by the end of our couple hour hike my arms were on FIRE!  The afternoon weather was a too hot for comfort and there was no shade to cool the trip down.  Needless to say we barely covered what there is to see at the Mines.  I am looking forward to cooler weather and another trip exploring the Paint Mines in the future.