Paint Mines Interpretive Park Master Plan

El Paso County Parks and Community Services completed a detailed Master Plan to effectively handle the growing number of visitors and protect the delicate rock formations at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park near Calhan. This planning process included analyzing current information about Park visitation and the geological aspects, gathering new data, seeking public input, and consolidating everything into one cohesive long-term Master Plan for the Park.

The Paint Mines Interpretive Park Master Plan aims to empower the El Paso County Parks and Community Services Department in overseeing, safeguarding, and preserving the Park while enhancing the visitor experience. It will strike a harmonious balance between providing public access and safeguarding the fragile geological features within the Park. Additionally, the Plan will uphold the core goals and objectives outlined in the broader 2022 El Paso County Parks Master Plan.

The Master Plan was approved by the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners in December 2024 and was funded by County Regional Park Fees. It was developed through a $200,000 contract with DHM Design, a landscape architecture and land planning firm. The project kicked off with a review of current conditions and site analysis, then moved on to developing a conceptual design for proposed enhancements. Feedback from stakeholders and the community was integrated into the proposed improvements and design guidelines.

Final Master Plan

Open House #2 Documents:

North Parking Lot Rendering

Public Outreach Process

Vistors Center Concept Daytime

Visitors Center Concept Evening

Open House #1 Documents:
Open House Powerpoint

Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Existing Conditions Graphic 1

Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Existing Conditions Graphic 2

Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Existing Natural Resources Graphic

Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Formations Concept Graphic

Paint Mines Interpretive Park – Overlook Trailhead Concept Graphic

E-Newsletter
August 2024 Edition

• The Gazette Article: El Paso County launches master plan effort to protect Paint Mines
• FOX21 NEWS: WE ARE THE EASTERN PLAINS Preserving Paint Mines Interpretive Park
• KOAA News5: Paint Mines protection – A new plan in the works
• The New Falcon Herald Article: Paint Mines Congestion Treads on Mother Nature
• El Paso County tackles vandalism, environment degradation and pet ferrets at Paint Mines Interpretive Park
• Next meeting scheduled regarding future of Paint Mines outside Colorado Springs
• El Paso County making progress on Paint Mines master plan – Asking for public input Thursday in Calhan