Colorado

A Photo Journal of America's Rocky Mountain State
Article Date: January, 2015

Article and Photography by Mark Quasius

Colorado is a land of high places. There are 53 mountains in this state that rise over 14,000' in altitude. Excellent skiing is abundant from Vail to Denver's front range. The Colorado River begins its journey in the headwaters at Rocky Mountain National Park and winds its way through the Colorado Rockies on the way to the Gulf of Baja California. Colorado's history is flavored with many tales from the mining area when gold was taken out of these hills in large quantities. When the mines played out the towns that sprung up around them overnight faded away just as fast as their occupants moved on to greener pastures. The ore from these mines was hauled out over some extremely rugged terrain by wagons. These trails, which precariously cling to the sides of mountain sides have now been taken over by Jeeps and are popular tourist attractions for those who are looking to explore these mines and ghost towns. But not all mountain roads are wagon trails. A paved road to the top of Mount Evans is the highest paved road in North America, climbing to the summit of Mount Evans at 14,260'.

The eastern portion of the state is flat ranch land, similar to Kansas. Once you get to Denver, the mile high city, the westbound traveler will be faced with a wall of mountains. The road follows the valley along with the Colorado River and heads westbound, climbing the steep passes at Vail before descending into a desert-like environment as you continue west to Utah's canyonlands. In the southwest corner of the state the San Juan Mountains are found. Among these steep mountains are where Telluride, Silverton, and Ouray are located. A great deal of mining was done in this area and it's one of the Meccas for Jeep owners in this country.

Rocky Mountain National Park is located right outside Estes Park, Colorado. An easy 1 hour drive north of Denver, this park is filled with scenic mountain vistas and wildlife. Elk herds are abundant in this area and also filter down into Estes Park's fringe areas. The clang of Bighorn Sheep can be heard echoing through the valleys and if you're lucky, Beaver will be out and about rather than sleeping in their dens.

This photo journal only deals with a portion of Colorado. There is much more than shown here but hopefully these images may give you a feel for what it's like.

Ouray

Ouray is nestled in the San Juan mountains in the southwest corner of Colorado. Of the many mining towns in this region, Ouray is unique. When mining in Colorado was booming, many towns popped up overnight and flourished as the mines, and the miners, prospered. However, mining isn't forever and once the mines played out most of these towns disappeared almost as fast as they were born. But Ouray wasn't your typical mining town filled with saloons and brothels. Ouray had those too, but a large emphasis was placed on family life here and schools and churches were built. Once the mines started to dry up the townsfolk stayed put to raise their families here and find other sources of income. Today, tourism has caused Ouray to flourish more than ever. The old mining trails that the ore wagons were hauled over no longer remain silent. Theses trails are popular with Jeep enthusiasts and has earned it the reputation of the Jeep Capital of the World. Modern visitors flock to Ouray for its beauty and recreation. It offers the scenic vistas of the Million Dollar Highway, winter sports such as the Ouray Ice Park and hot springs. A number of waterfalls are found in the area and one is even accessible a short walk from the downtown area.

The San Juan mountains are beautiful but they can be treacherous. The steep cliffs give this area the title of Avalanche Capital of the United States. The highway marker to the south on US-212 bears witness to the deaths caused by this swift thundering danger. Yet, this same topography makes for some prime winter recreation. Telluride is just over the ridge and offers excellent skiing while Ouray's famous Box Canyon is home of the annual ice climbing championship. Nestled in a small valley with the mountains as a backdrop give Ouray the name "Switzerland of America". Heading north the drive takes you to Grand Junction, Colorado but the drive to the south is spectacular. US-550 leaves Ouray by climbing a series of switchbacks and proceeds south to Silverton and then Durango over what is known as the "Million Dollar Highway". If you're the kind of traveler who doesn't mind mountain roads that get narrow at some spots you'll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views you've ever seen. It's definitely a must see trip.

Ouray

When approaching Ouray from the south the Million Dollar Highway drops down through a series of switchbacks. This view of Ouray was taken from a pull off spot near the base of the switchbacks. The main road can be seen as it passes through town and out the valley to the north. This amphitheatre like setting earns the town its nickname, "Switzerland of America".

Grizzly Falls

Just south of Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway Grizzly Creek passes by craggy cliffs after tumbling over Grizzly Falls.

Red Mountain

Red Mountain is the largest and the most visible from the Ouray area. Situated alongside the Million Dollar Highway it's easily seen from the highway down below. This shot was taken from a high country Jeep trail on its flanks.

Mine Shaft

The area surrounding Ouray is dotted with many abandoned mines. Many of these shafts were built upon piles of tailings as this shaft south of Ouray shows.

Mine

Just south of Ouray, beginning in the old town of Ironton (barely a trace still remains) a number of trails climb their way through the San Juans, passing by mining sites such as this.

Corkscrew Gulch

One of the popular Jeep trails is the Corkscrew Gulch trail. Beginning south of Ouray this trail connects with others and climbs high up into the mountains.

Corkscrew Gulch

As you climb the Corkscrew Gulch trail you'll traverse many slopes. Each corner offers a different view of the scenic wonders that are not obtainable from the roads below.

View of the San Juans

When climbing these mining trails a number of views of the San Juans appear. On most summer days the clouds will be clear and you'll have unencumbered views of these majestic peaks.

Heavy Snow

Many trails are not open until July. This late June run through Corkscrew Gulch showed plenty of snow left over. The snow melts fast and the streams are rushing with snowmelt but when you have this much snow, it stays around a while. This snow bank was in the lower areas and a pathway had been cleared by a bulldozer earlier.

Avalanche Zone

Avalanches are common in the San Juans. This particular area suffers every winter and heavy equipment is used to remove trees and brush carried by the snow on its deadly path down slope.

Silverton Glacier

From high up on Red Mountain this glacier was seen in the Silverton area. Glaciers aren't as common in the San Juans because their mountainsides are fairly steep but a few do exist.

At the Top of Red Mountain

A trek to the top is rewarded by unparalleled views. Also some pretty cold temperatures for June.

Silverton and Animas Forks

Located south of Ouray, Silverton sits in the middle of the Million Dollar Highway, which begins to the south in Durango. Nestled high in a mountain valley at 9,318', Silverton is another mining town that was famous for its silver mines but it also was connected to Durango to the south via the Silverton-Durango Railroad. This narrow gauge line gave the miners a cost effective way to transport goods in and ore out of the mountains. This railroad winds its way through the tight valleys and clings to the sides of the San Juans. Today this railroad has been restored and now transports passengers on a one hour trip through some amazing scenery.

Silverton was founded in 1875 but the original 100 inhabitants grew to 500 in 1876. Life wasn't easy for them and the statistics from Silverton's cemetery indicate that 117 died from snowslides, 143 from miner's consumption, 161 from pneumonia, 138 from influenza (most in the 1918 epidemic), and 202 from mine accidents. At first they came by foot and with mules but in 1879 the wagon road over Stony Pass opened and in 1887 the railroad from Durango reached Silverton. Railroads also reached Ouray from the north but there was no connection between Ouray and Silverton due to the rugged terrain in the Uncompahgre canyon. Mining reached its peak between 1900 and 1912 and Silverton flourished and most building were built at that time. After that the mining industry went through booms and busts and Silverton rode them out but when Lake Emma flooded the Sunnyside Mine in 1978 that was pretty much the end of Silverton's mining era. Silverton is also known for its winters. Silverton is not an agricultural area and the growing season is only 14 days long. Tucked in the San Juan mountains, it receives an average of 200 inches of snow per year. In 1932 Silverton was snowed in for 32 days at one time but modern snow removal equipment has changed that and it's now rare to be isolated for more than one day at a time.

Today Silverton has much to offer. Nearby mines are easily accessed via Jeep trails and the scenic setting is another draw for tourism. Animas Forks, a nearby ghost town is in remarkable shape after all these years and a popular spot for 4WD vehicles. Molas Pass, jut south of Silverton, has the distinction of having the cleanest and clearest high quality air, as shown by government research. 95% of the lands in this area are public lands so there is much to see and do. Leaving Silverton to the north, you'll finish your drive on the Million Dollar Highway by passing through the spectacular Uncompahgre River canyon and emptying in Ouray's amphitheatre setting. Driving south you'll climb Molas Pass and eventually the road descends as the valley widens on its way to Durango.

Mineral Creek

North of Silverton, Mineral Creek flows alongside the Million Dollar Highway. As snowmelt and rain water runs downhill from the mines it picks up traces of the minerals from the tailing piles that are abundant in this area.

Beaver Dam

Beaver locate their dens anywhere there are Aspen nearby. By creating a dam they control the water level near their lodge.

The Silverton

The restored Durango and Silverton narrow gauge railroad now hauls tourists rather than mining supplies through the twisting valleys and over the mountain passes between Durango and Silverton, docking right in downtown Silverton.

Snow Melt

The heavy snow cover takes time to melt and the numerous streams in the area are filled with rushing water thought most of the summer.

Cabin and Waterfall

Tucked against a slope, this miner's cabin has found the perfect scenic setting next to a waterfall.

Eureka Mill Ruins

Where there are mines, there are mills. Mills are used to process the ore and remove the precious metals from the ore. This mill at the Eureka townsite was built in steps upon the mountain. The heavy machinery required large concrete foundations to support the weight and stress of their operation. After the years have taken their toll, all that remains is the concrete footings as the wood was either removed or destroyed in avalanches.

June Runoff

In the end of June, many ditches and gullies are still snow covered as the water flows beneath them.

Entering Animas Forks

As you enter Animas Forks, the foundations of the old mill are found at the entrance to town. This pile of concrete and large steel anchor bolts is all that remains.

Miner's Hut

Mining wasn't easy and conditions at this altitude, especially during winter, wasn't overly hospitable. This miner's hut was the home for two miners.

Residential Area

Animas Forks began in 1875. Its sign advertised it as the "largest town in the world" and then, in small print "at this altitude" which was 11,300' above sea level. It was a short lived community and the mining lasted for maybe 20 years. Its biggest enemy was the constant avalanches that occurred in this valley, some of which would road down one side and up the other because the valley was so narrow. This section of Animas Forks was a residential section and a few houses remain.

Walsh House

This rear view of the Walsh House shows some of the newer interior lumber. Some of the structures in Animas Forks are being reinforced to prevent further decay.

Bunkhouse RuinsForks

This view shows the remains of the Columbus Mine, as well as the bunkhouse or boarding house, which also served "other needs" for lonely miners. Many bunkhouses were built right on the mine site and surrounded by piles of tailings from the mining operation. Being situated on slopes these were prime targets for destruction by avalanches. Most miners would retreat in the fall and return again in spring because to remain in Animas Forks over winter meant dealing with the threat of avalanches as well as total isolation.

Bay Window House

The Walsh House, also know as the Bay Window House, was the home of Evelyn Walsh McLean, the daughter of Tom Walsh, who discovered the famous Camp Bird Mine and owned the Hope Diamond.

Leadville

At 10,350' above sea level, Leadville holds the distinction of being the highest incorporated city in the United States. Its story begins in 1879 when the Slater Party made the $8 million gold discover in California Gulch. The area exploded as prospectors converged upon the scene but by the mid 1860's all of the gold reserves were mined out. But the "black stuff" that they tried to separate from the gold in their pans was actually silver bearing lead ore. A number of years later, a pair of miners recognized its value and began buying up old "worked out" gold claims. By 1880 the silver boom had begun and Leadville was the second largest city in the state. Millionaires were made overnight and many mines produced hundreds of thousands of dollars in income every day. By 1893 the Silver Crash of 93 brought the price of silver to zero and many of these rags-to-riches stories turned to riches-to-rags.

Leadville, sitting in a beautiful setting in the Rocky Mountains was a place of scenic color. But, the people who lived and visited here were also colorful. Doc Holliday held his last shootout in Leadville and then spent 54 days in jail, penniless to post bail. Big Nosed Kate eventually took him to Glenwood Spring where he died of consumption. Many visitors stayed in the community. Names such as Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson and the Cole-Younger Gang to name a few. The unsinkable Molly Brown, later known for her role in the Titanic disaster, found instant wealth in the mines here with her husband JJ Brown.

Leadville continued on, even after the silver bust of 1893. During World War II nearby Camp Hale was the training spot for the Army's 10th Mountain Division. It became a popular visit for soldiers but only after the city acted to curb prostitution. Prior to that the city was declared off limits by the army to all US soldiers. From then on the incresed demand for molybdenum helped the Climax mine, which at one time produced 75% of the world's molybdenum. The closing of the mine in the 1980s was a major blow. The years of mining left behind contaminated soil and water so that the EPA declared many mines Superfund cleanup sites. Today's Leadville relies on tourism for its income but is unique in that its history remains in place for all to see. A visit to Leadville is more like a step back in time.

Evansville

The townsite of Evansville was once a bustling town with over 1,000 inhabitants. When the mining boom turned to bust the occupants left and their homes were dismantled to use as lumber for other structures as well as timber for mine shoring. Eventually the trees grew up in its place and the townsite is now hidden from view. A hike amongst this location reveals that all that remains is stacks of bricks, rusty metal hardware, and broken bottles.

Mining District

East of Leadville a climb up into the mining district reveals a large spread of mines clinging to the hillsides of California Gulch. Mount Elbert and Mount Massive can be seen to the west.

Mine Remains

Many mine shafts were filed in with dozers in recent years to prevent anyone from falling into these long vertical shafts. If you find an open shaft and drop a rock into it you'll be surprised at how long it takes to hear the splash as it hits the water below. Those shafts are extremely deep.

Marmot

This Yellow Bellied Marmot was found on old mining timbers wondering who this human visitor was.

Mine Tailings

When removing the ore from the mines, acids and chemicals are used to leach the mineral from the ore. This tends to leave a discolored mess in the area and the chemicals also get into neighboring water supplies but these were the days before "environmentally friendly" became a buzzword. These tailings were found at the top of one of the mines in Leadville's east gulch.

Jeep

When exploring these mines the Jeep is the best method of transportation. Its ability to climb grades, traverse rocky terrain, and maneuver in tight quarters is unparalleled and makes it a prime candidate for this terrain.

Mill

Mills were used to process the mineral from the ore. The ore entered the mill at the top via carts and was dumped into the machine works to be ground and processed. The tailings were dumped in the surrounding area and the mineral was loaded into wagons via chutes at the bottom of the far side of the building.

Mill Track

The ore was brought into the mill via carts that passed along this track, which connected the top of the mill to the slope nearby. Presumably it was in better shape back then.

Turquoise Lake

Immediately west of Leadville lies Turquoise Lake. This image was taken from high up in the California Gulch mine district.

Mount Elbert

Mount Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado. At 14,433' it towers over the town of Leadville.

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde (Spanish for Green Table) is located near Cortez, in the southwest corner of Colorado where Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah all converge at one point in the four corners region. Mesas abound in this region but Mesa Verde is a huge mesa, which is a flat topped mountain that stretches for many miles. Within the flat topped reaches of this Mesa are a number of ravines and deep canyons that taper out and widen at the south, much like a Norwegian Fjord. Within these canyon walls are found a number of cliff dwellings that were constructed by the Anasazai Indians.

The Anasazai appeared on the scene around 550 AD, at first they lived in pithouses on the top of the Mesa before evolving to cliff dwellings. The Anasazai were farmers so they constructed irrigation canals to move water around their fields. The early Anasazai lived this way for about 200 years, from 550 AD to 750AD. This era was referred to as the Basketmaker era. The Basketmakers eventually built houses above ground, using poles and mud. These early dwelling more closely resembled a motel than a house and many were clustered together. The Modified Basketmaker era extended to around 1050 AD. At this time the Classic Era began. The Anasazai now were skillful builders with adobe brick and the population reached several thousand. These pueblo builders now built many of their dwellings into the sides of cliffs and created the massive cliff dwellings that we see today. Around 1300 AD the Anasazai mysteriously left Mesa Verde. Historians don't know why they left. Was it lack of food? Were they driven out by an enemy? Was the soil depleted after centuries of farming? Traces of the ancestral pueblo builders are found in today's Hopi society but no history is brought forth to chronicle why they left. Fortunately the Anasazai weren't neat and they dumped their trash nearby. This has helped archeologists to piece together clues as to how they lived.

Balcony House

One of the largest and best preserved pueblos is the Balcony House complex. The National Park Service conducts interpretive tours from the top of the rim down into Balcony House. Balcony House offered excellent protection from enemies as well as from nature.

Fire Damage

In recent years Mesa Verde was engulfed by wide spread forest fires that swept across the Mesa during a drought. The ash from these trees now fertilizes new meadows and wildflowers and begins a new season of regrowth.

Square Tower

Tucked underneath a ledge is Square Tower. This pueblo is noted for its tall tower that still remains. The elements have taken a toll on this pueblo over the years and much of the pueblo has been damaged by the falling overhang and the elements.

Square Tower

This close-up view of Square Tower pueblo reveals the details of its construction. Adobe bricks were made to form the walls and many wooden poles were used to support floors and tie the walls together as well as for ladders.

Spruce House

This shot of part of the Spruce House complex shows a pair of Kivas as viewed from the surface. Kivas were underground ceremonial gathering places and were an integral part of every pueblo. The rooms above represent living quarters for the pueblo's occupants. Artifacts recovered indicate that much of the day to day work was performed in the open areas of the pueblo and that the rooms behind were mainly for sleeping.

Kiva

Kivas were the central gathering place for each pueblo community. This exposed view of a Kiva shows the how they were constructed. The occupants sat around the perimeter on the stone benches. The center of the roof structure was supported by a ladder, which also gave access to the Kiva. At each end chimney vents were located to provide fresh air for the fire and allow the fire's exhaust to escape out the center. Little is known about the Anasazai but it is presumed that these Kivas served some sort of religious or ceremonial service.

Mount Evans

Mount Evans is found west of Denver on the Front Range of the Rockies. Easily accessed from Idaho Spring, a paved road takes you to it's summit. At 14,270' this is the highest paved road in America and offers panoramic views of Denver's front range and the plains below. At the turn of the last century, Denver and Colorado Springs were competing for tourist dollars from eastern travelers. In 1888 the Cascade and Pikes Peak Toll Road Company completed a 16 mile road up the north side of Pikes Peak. This was an instant hit with tourist so Denver's mayor lobbied for a road up Mount Evans to keep tourist dollars from getting away. In 1917 Denver was able to secure state funding to complete a road to the top of Mount Evans and the road was completed in 1927.

The drive begins in Idaho Springs, just west of Denver. A 2 lane blacktop road winds its way through the forests and climbs up to Echo Lake. Echo Lake is located at 11,000' and features the Echo Lake Lodge as well as a park maintained by Denver Mountain Parks. Continuing on past Echo Lake there is a gate that closes the road above 11,000' during the winter season, which generally runs the end of September through Memorial Day. Continuing on to Summit Lake there is a rest area and pit toilets that are maintained by Denver Mountain Parks. Once you reach the summit there is a parking lot. The remains of the Summit House, which was built during the summers of 1941 and 1942, are still here. Summit House had a restaurant and gift shop and offered great views of Denver and the eastern plains. Unfortunately, it burned in 1979 and was never rebuilt.

In addition to scenic vistas, Mount Evans is brimming with wildlife. Elk are found in the lower sections while Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep are abundant at all elevations. Mountain Goats can be seen traveling over impossibly rocky terrain with ease while Pika hideout amongst the rocks at higher elevations. Mount Evans has more Marmots per mile than any other mountain in Colorado and can be seen at varying elevations as they dart in and out amongst the rocks.

Mount Evans is a true recreational spot. The wilderness area is administered by the US Forest Service and is popular with hikers and bicyclists as well as passenger car tourists. At 14,270' the air is thin so recreation needs to be limited to those who have adapted to this higher altitude but the mountain does offer something for everyone.

Echo Lake

Situated at 11,000' this jewel reflects the beauty of the sky and the Gore Range to the north.

Bristlecone Pine

Bristlecone Pine grow at high elevations, generally above 12,000'. These trees are well adapted to the harsh environment they live in. Battered and twi8sted by the strong winds at these elevations they take what little moisture and nutrients they can from the soil. Mature trees such as these will be over 1,000 years old and their growth is measured microscopically compared to other trees. Their hardy nature makes it easy for them to tough out the long harsh winter that seems to last forever at this altitude.

Approaching Storm

An early July storm approaches Mount Evans as seen from its summit. Shortly after this image was taken the snow began to fall. Mountain weather can be very unpredictable at any time of the year.

Echo Lake

This view of Echo Lake was taken from the switchback roads above it that wind their way up the mountain's flanks. Echo Lake Park, maintained by the City of Denver, can be seen at the top of the lake in this northward view.

Mountain Goat

Mountain Goats are accomplished climbers. They can be seen scrambling up cliff sides that would require technical climbing gear for a person. They are normally seen early in the morning or later in the afternoon grazing amongst any green grass that they can find.

Yellow Bellied Marmot

Marmots, are abundant on Mount Evans, more so than any other mountain in the state of Colorado. Also referred to as Whistle Pigs or Rock chucks, these relatives of the Woodchuck are found in high elevations and they make their burrows in rocky terrain, which provides them cover and escape from predators such as Coyotes, hawks, or eagles. They hibernate during the winter and emit a whistling sound to warn others if they feel they are in danger. During mid-day they are generally sleeping in their dens.

Mountain Goats

This mother and inquisitive baby Mountain Goat were seen crossing the Mount Evans Scenic Byway near the summit.

Bristlecone Pine

This Bristlecone Pine stands silhouetted against the sky.

Waterfall

There are a number of streams flowing down Mount Evans. This stream was found in the lower elevations, below Echo Lake.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is situated just west of Estes Park, which is about a 1 hour drive north of Denver. This large area was set aside for the protection of its natural features in 1915 it's 416 square miles begin in the low wet grassy valleys and extend upwards as at least 60 mountains exceed 12,000'. The highest is the football field sized summit of Longs Peak at 14,259' but the entire park is filled with rocky wilderness that reaches to the sky. The old Fall River Road that used to be the way into the park is now a one way gravel road that first opens around July 4th after the snow has been cleared. Instead, most visitors take Trail Ridge Road, a winding alpine scenic highway that begins in the glacial moraine valleys below and passes through subalpine forests and then alpine tundra before topping out at over 12,000' near the Alpine Visitor's Center. From here the tourist has the option of passing down the other side to Granby or returning via Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. Near the Continental Divide you'll be able to see the Gore Range as well as the Never Summer Mountains. The headwaters of the Colorado River begin in this area.

Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its elk population. Indeed, many of these elk flow out of the park itself and are seen wandering around the town of Estes Park, particularly in the fall. Bighorn Sheep are generally seen at Sheep Lakes from May through August as they travel for water and Moose can be found on the parks far west side along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley. Marmots and Pikas favor the rocky areas while Golden Eagles, Steller's Jays, and Clark's Nutcrackers can be seen almost anywhere along Trail Ridge Road.

There is a wide number of recreational activities in the park. From automobile sightseeing, bicycling, hiking, and mountain climbing, to horseback riding there's bound to be something for everyone. A shuttle service is available to transport visitors to the crowded Bear Lake parking area in the busy summer months for those who want to hike the trails in that area.

Moraine Park

From up on the Fall River Road, this view looks back down into Moraine Park, carved out by glacial activity many years ago.

Elk in Velvet

This image of a young bull elk was taken in late June. Elk shed their antlers every spring and begin to grow new ones which are covered in velvet, which is a the series of small blood vessels that nourish their growth. When fall arrives this velvet dies and the antlers are sharp and sturdy. Elk are seen rubbing the velvet off on nearby trees to prepare for the fall rut.

Fall River

The Fall River begins its run high in the peaks of Rocky Mountain Park. It flows down through the Fall River Canyon on its way to the meadows in Moraine Park.

Avalanche Zone

The Fall River Road passes through the canyon and steep slopes tower over it which is why it takes until the beginning of July for the snow to be cleared. The heavy snows that hang on these cliffs cause avalanches in a number of areas that strip the slope of all trees and washes the soil away, blocking the road. This particular slope was terraced and filled with stone. Then a protective steel mesh was anchored over it to keep the stone in place in order to prevent future avalanches from washing the slopes away.

Fall River Waterfall

This waterfall was seen in Fall River Canyon, where the Fall River cascades down to the valley below.

Trapper's Trail

This trappers trail was a popular method of traversing the park in the 1840s when trapping for Beaver was in full swing. The trappers would cache their supplies along this route for future retrieval. This early July picture shows the amount of snow still present at this altitude.

Clark's Nutcracker

The Clark's Nutcracker is very prevalent in the high country. It feeds on pine seeds and stores its surplus seed in caches for retrieval during the winter months. It has been known to cache more than their actual needs, up to 100,000 seeds, in order to protect against theft by other animals. it has the uncanny ability to remember where each and every seed is stored and has been known to unerringly find seeds 6 months later when the seeds have been buried under 3' of snow cover.

Never Summer Mountains

On the west side of the park, this snow covered mountain range (hence the name) is about 10 miles long and consists of 10 peaks rising over 12,000'. It straddles the Continental Divide and separates the waters of the Colorado River to the east from the upper basin of the North Platte River to the west.

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