The moist and shady areas along See Canyon Trail are perfect locations for Yellow Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha).
Yellow Columbine.
Many caterpillars such as this one were wandering along the lower portions of the trail.
Clusters of Zela Metalmark (Emesis zela) butterflies were feeding on the nectar of these yellow daisylike flowers.
Zela Metalmark butterflies.
Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) hanging out on a lichen covered rock.
Close up of the Greater Short-horned Lizard.
Common Monkey Flower (Mimulus guttatus) makes it;s home along side the creek formed by the water coming from See Spring.
Common Monkey Flower.
The See Canyon Trail crosses a small creek coming from See Spring which drains into Christopher Creek.
Side view of the Yellow Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) flower.
Leaves of the Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum) aka Canyon Maple.
Bracken Ferns (Pteridium aquilinum) covers much of the forest floor in See Canyon.
This Western Wallflower (Erysimum capitatum) has a wonderful deep orange color and a very pleasant fragrance.
A bee visits a Fendler Rose (Rosa fendleri).
Fendler Rose growing among the Braken Ferns.
A member of the lily family False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina racemosa) grows in the shady areas of the forest.
A downed tree covered with trails from wandering insects...perhaps made by our infamous bark beetle?
A colorful California Sister (Adelpha bredowii) butterfly rests on a Braken Fern.
I found this Darkling beetle crawling on the forest floor. Also called a "stink beetle" it will give off a strong odor when disturbed.
The See Canyon Trail meandering through the forest.
A member of the pea family the New Mexico Locust (Robinia neomexicana) grows as shrub or a small tree with clusters of pink pea-like flowers.
New Mexico Locust.
This Squawroot (Conopholis alpina) plant, a very strange plant, was found growing in a well shaded area of the forest.
The squawroot plant lacks chlorophyll. It is parasitic on the roots of pines and oaks to get its nutrients.
Looking downstream at a crossing of dry, boulder strewn Christopher Creek.
Looking up through the forest canopy of Ponderosa Pines and Bigtooth Maple.
Sunlight filtering through a cover of Bigtooth Maple leaves.
Looking up for a different perspective.
Bracted Strawbery (Fragaria bracteata).
Arizona Valerian (Valeriana arizonica).
Big bright green leaves of False Hellebore (Veratrum californicum), also known as skunk cabbage.
Sunlight sets aglow False Hellebore found in a moist area just below the top of the Mogollon Rim.
The See Canyon Trail just before the last push to the top of the rim. Here a few Aspen trees make an appearance.
An interesting layered rock.
After a steep climb we have reached the rim and have had a bite of lunch. Now it's time for a nap!
Interesing patterns on a sandstone rock.