Last updated: August 26, 2022
Place
Sound of Silence Trail Stop 11
NPS Photo/Conrad Provan
Quick Facts
Amenities
1 listed
Scenic View/Photo Spot
Soils in an arid environment are fragile. Take a minute here to inspect the crusty biological soil. It is mostly cyanobacteria (sometimes called blue-green algae), and also includes lichens, mosses, green algae, microfungi and bacteria. It takes many years for this soil to form and support life. While cyanobacteria are mobile and will regenerate if disturbed, lichens and mosses are not, and will die if trampled. Blown by wind or moved by other forces, it is estimated that lichens will recolonize an area in 45 years, while it takes mosses an estimated 250 years. These crusts control erosion and fix nitrogen, helping other plants to grow. Please stay on the trail to help preserve these unique soils.
All around you is Ephedra viridis, commonly called Mormon Tea because it was used by early Native Americans and settlers to make an invigorating tea. It is an important browse crop for livestock and also deer, elk, and sheep, especially in the winter months. The large seeds are a good protein source for small mammals and birds. The drug ephedrine, an antidepressant and decongestant, can be extracted from this and other Ephedra species. This area is a great place to look for animal tracks, scat, and game trails. Can you distinguish between carnivore and herbivore scat? Look for fur and bones in the long, slender pieces of mountain lion, coyote, and bobcat scat. Deer, elk and rabbit scat will be more smooth and rounded. You may see game trails in this area, made primarily by elk and deer. See if you can distinguish these game trails from the people trail you are following!
All around you is Ephedra viridis, commonly called Mormon Tea because it was used by early Native Americans and settlers to make an invigorating tea. It is an important browse crop for livestock and also deer, elk, and sheep, especially in the winter months. The large seeds are a good protein source for small mammals and birds. The drug ephedrine, an antidepressant and decongestant, can be extracted from this and other Ephedra species. This area is a great place to look for animal tracks, scat, and game trails. Can you distinguish between carnivore and herbivore scat? Look for fur and bones in the long, slender pieces of mountain lion, coyote, and bobcat scat. Deer, elk and rabbit scat will be more smooth and rounded. You may see game trails in this area, made primarily by elk and deer. See if you can distinguish these game trails from the people trail you are following!