-
Access to Frijoles Canyon Will Be Limited
Starting June 1, 2012 all access to the most visited part of the park, Frijoles Canyon, will be via a shuttle bus from the nearby community of White Rock. This is to alleviate a parking shortage created by the Las Conchas Fire. More details to follow.
Falls Trail Stop 8
NPS Photo by Stella Carroll During the summer you have a shady canopy but remember to watch for poison ivy and stinging nettles Here along the creek it may be hard to remember that you are in a high desert in New Mexico. During the summer, the leaves, shrubs, and vines form a thick, shady canopy. If the air is warm there will be many rich fragrances in the air. Some moisture-loving plants that flourish in the canyon include narrowleaf cottonwood, box elder, and canyon grape. Unfortunately for hikers, the lush streamside environment is also ideal for two plants you’ll want to avoid: poison ivy and stinging nettle. The oils of poison ivy can cause a long-lasting itchy rash. Scratching can spread the irritating oil to other parts of the body, so skin areas that may have brushed against the leaves should be washed. Stinging nettle leaves have sharp hairs that inject tiny amounts of formic acid into the skin. This produces a stinging sensation. Luckily the effects of formic acid are short-lived and can be lessened by cold water.
|
Did You Know?
Queen butterflies are often mistaken for Monarchs because they look so much alike. This is beneficial to the Queen, who is avoided by predators who fear this look-alike may be as toxic as the Monarch.