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Heppe Ice Cave
Heppe Cave trail can be found on the road to
Mammoth Crater. The trail begins under tall pine trees. Mountain
mahogany, bitterbrush, yarrow, old man's beard, and buckwheats line the
trail. Red-tailed hawks, ravens, and turkey vultures soar majestically
overhead. Tiny insects, like cicadas, butterflies, and ants, are busy
doing their special things. As you reach the top of the trail, you are
amazed with the view of an enormous collapse. Heppe's Bridge is visible
at the far end. Continuing along the trail, you pass Heppe's Chimney, a
fine example of a hornito. A natural rock garden is created here by the
blooming of purple sage, pygmy monkey flowers, penstemons, and
buckwheats.
Along the steep trail into Heppe's Cave, look for chipmunks and pikas.
Gooseberries, white alumroot, lavender figwort, and beautiful ferns love
the cool shaded area of the cave entrance. Lichens and minerals combine
to make beautiful patterns on the cave walls. At the bottom of the trail
may be found a pool of water atop a base of ice. The amount is dependent
upon the winter temperatures and moisture. Continue across the cave,
climb the far wall, and take a seat. The sweet scent of fernbush reaches
you on a breeze. Listen to the silence, the beautiful silence. Bees are
buzzing; violet-green swallows flit throughout the collapse catching
insects on the wing. Watch the chipmunks scale the vertical walls.
Ravens and swallows like to nest here. Other birds use the pond to drink
and bathe. Fill your heart and mind with the sights and sounds of today.
You can call back the experience many times in the future.
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