Flora and Fauna
Wildlife can often be seen in this high altitude setting. Mule deer and porcupines are common, as are rodents and similar animals such as pikas, marmots, red squirrels, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels, pocket gophers, and chipmunks. Mountain lions and other larger animals live in the area but are seldom seen. Common birds include the Clark's nutcracker, Violet-green Swallows, and the Common Raven.
The bristlecone pine, a species of tree that probably lives longer than any other single organism, can also be found in the high country, with some local specimens known to be more than 1600 years old. Sub-alpine meadows dot the canyon rim in such areas as Alpine Pond, which is an easy hike from the road along a clear trail. Aspen, Engelmann Spruce, Subalpine Fir trees, and Limber Pine also grow here.
Spring begins in June at this elevation, when wildflowers cover the canyon rim. Wildflowers bloom all during the short growing season, and visitors can enjoy Scarlet or Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja parvula), Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus), Blue (Colorado) Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea), Cinquefoil, Shootingstar, and wild rose, among others. In the earliest spring, Mountain (Aspen) Bluebell (Mertensia arizonica), spring beauty, Lavender Fleabane, Subalpine Larkspur (Delphinium occidentale), and various Penstemons appear. The summer winds down with goldenrod and Asters.
Read more about this topic: Cedar Breaks National Monument
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