• View from the Canyon Rim Trail. Photo by Jeff Kochevar

    Colorado

    National Monument Colorado

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  • Rim Rock Drive is OPEN - Visitor Center is OPEN 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Rim Rock Drive is OPEN Be on the lookout for Desert Bighorn Sheep along Rim Rock Drive. There also may be minor traffic delays near the East Entrance over the coming weeks. Watch for construction flaggers on the roadway.

Claret-cup Hedgehog

Claret Cup Hedgehog
 

Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus)

Other Names: hedgehog cactus, kingcup cactus

Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Description: 3-6 inch stems clustered in spherical clumps or mounds. 8-10 ribs run vertically along each stem. White spines occur in clusters, with one large central spine and eight smaller spines per areole. Scarlet red flowers appear at stem tips in May.

Range: occurs in southern Utah, Colorado, Arizona ,Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. Look for it growing throughout Colorado National Monument, especially on metamorphic rock.

Did you know: the claret cup cactus's resemblance to the hedgehog inspired both this plant's scientific name Echinocereus (from Greek echinos, meaning hedgehog) and its nickname "hedgehog cactus."

Did You Know?

collared lizard

With a large head and powerful jaws, the collared lizard is a carnivore. If you wonder why this lizard will hang around long enough for you to take its picture, know that the lizard is protecting its territory! More...