Last updated: August 11, 2022
Place
Gates of Lodore Trail Stop 7
NPS Photo/Conrad Provan
Quick Facts
Amenities
1 listed
Scenic View/Photo Spot
If you have traveled from a moister climate, you might not think of this area as forested. The Utah juniper, however, manages to cover much of this arid country. What it lacks in stature, the juniper makes up for in toughness, longevity, the fragrance of its wood, and the beauty of its often gnarled, twisted trunks. Also, from a more utilitarian viewpoint, junipers have fueled many a campfire since prehistoric times, supported miles of fences and perhaps right now are providing you with a bit of welcome shade.
The junipers’ companion in much of the canyon country forests is the pinyon (piñon) pine. Though you might think of pines as growing best on snow-capped mountains, many species, especially the pinyon group are well adapted to lower, drier areas. All leaves have pores through which plants breathe but in pine needles these are sunk in deep pits. Along with a waxy coating the needles help to reduce the amount of moisture lost through evaporation. Also, in many pines a type of root fungus helps draw water from the soil, since the fine strands of the fungus can penetrate into more nooks and crannies than relatively coarse roots. Perhaps you’ve seen or tasted the “pine nuts” sold throughout the Southwest. These are the seeds of the pinyon pine, borne in small cones which ripen in the fall. Harvesting them is a fall tradition for many native cultures. Additionally, pinyon seeds are a staple food for wildlife including the Clarks Nutcracker, Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel and the Juniper Titmouse.
The junipers’ companion in much of the canyon country forests is the pinyon (piñon) pine. Though you might think of pines as growing best on snow-capped mountains, many species, especially the pinyon group are well adapted to lower, drier areas. All leaves have pores through which plants breathe but in pine needles these are sunk in deep pits. Along with a waxy coating the needles help to reduce the amount of moisture lost through evaporation. Also, in many pines a type of root fungus helps draw water from the soil, since the fine strands of the fungus can penetrate into more nooks and crannies than relatively coarse roots. Perhaps you’ve seen or tasted the “pine nuts” sold throughout the Southwest. These are the seeds of the pinyon pine, borne in small cones which ripen in the fall. Harvesting them is a fall tradition for many native cultures. Additionally, pinyon seeds are a staple food for wildlife including the Clarks Nutcracker, Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel and the Juniper Titmouse.