Calhan Paint Mines Archeological District, Archaeological park in El Paso County, Colorado, US

Calhan Paint Mines is a 750-acre archaeological district on the eastern plains of El Paso County, Colorado, one mile south of Calhan. Its eroded, clay-rich banks form pale gray and white caps above slopes banded tan, ochre, yellow, rust-red and deep brown, with narrow vertical channels separating rounded columns and ridges. A dry sandy wash winds between two high banks, and sparse green brush grows at the base and on some ledges.

Archaeological remains show continuous human occupation here for 9,000 years, with artifacts from the Apishapa, Cody, and Duncan cultures uncovered across the site. This long timeline demonstrates how different peoples relied on the area's mineral resources over many centuries.

The site's clay was used in prehistoric and historic times to make and paint pottery and as paint for ceremonial purposes, while selenite clay served for arrowheads. The channels in the ground were used to herd bison into a gulch where they could be hunted with bows and arrows. The park is now visited by birdwatchers and hikers.

The site has four miles of walking paths with interpretive markers, climbing up to 500 feet in elevation. Bring plenty of water since there are no facilities or water sources available on the grounds.

The clay layers display natural color bands created by oxidized iron compounds and jasper deposits, giving the formations their distinctive appearance. This geological feature is likely why ancient peoples specifically chose this location for mining their materials.