Page 19 - Walks In The Black Range, Vol. 4

As we crossed the ridge to the west side of the range we found Jacob’s Ladder, Yellow Salsify, and Scarlet Penstemon growing closely together.
The lower slope of the trail held its own special treasures, including Mountain Spray growing beside the trail. This is a species which I have not often seen (or at least not observed).
And, as odd as this may seem, the third wonder of the trail’s flora came in the form of a multicolored Wallflower. Flowers at higher elevations are often darker in color, but this particular plant was a wonder of hues.
22. Erysimum capitatum, Wallflower.
This listing is not complete by any means. There were several other blooming plants which we observed and photographed along the way, including: Fendler Meadowrue, Thalictrum fendleri; New Mexico Locust, Robinia neomexicana; Purple Loco, Oxytropis lambertii; and Mountain Parsley, Cymopterus lemmonii. The bird life was dominated by a few species. Hairy Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco, Western Bluebird, Turkey Vulture, Common (Northern) Raven, and Brown Creeper were common at various spots along the trail.
And the trail, for the most part, was in excellent condition. We have hiked this trail in all seasons and it never ceases to inspire - and in my case - when I am in a particularly poor state of physical condition, it never ceases to cause me to perspire.
20. Penstemon barbatus torreyi, Scarlet Penstemon.
21. Holodiscus dumosus, Mountain Spray.