Winter snows affect the distribution of plants. Note the clumps of dense vegetation surrounded by relatively bare soil. The higher mounds of vegetation are first to melt, providing a head start to the growing season for these plants. The first blooms announce the arrival of summer in the high country. In late summer, after clumps of fleeceflower, or Newberry's knotweed (pictured), turn a salmon pink, their stems break apart at the joints, dispersing seeds as they tumble in the wind. Take the trail to the right to continue the walking tour.