The Canyon Hike Series, Part 6

As spring approached, it became clear that the canyon was going to be even more beautiful than before the fire, something we had never imagined to be possible. Buttes that had been invisible could now be seen. And along with them, new grass and wildflowers. The contrast between the green of the new grass and the black from the fire was amazing. There was still burned soil, but the majority of the ranch had come back with regrowth that was remarkable to see.

Visible butte
Visible butte
Canyon exposed.
Canyon exposed.
Moon over butte
Moon over butte.
Forest left standing.
Forest left standing.

 

We were very happy to see that so many trees lived through the fire. We were at first concerned that all of them would be destroyed. However, as this picture shows, the fire missed one large part of the forest.

 

Green plains through canyon trees.
Green plains through canyon trees.

 

The green of the new growth was absolutely stunning.  Particularly striking was the contrast between the fresh, green grass and wildflowers and the burned trees, some an aptly burnt sienna in shade and some black.  Together, they showed what had been and what was to be in the canyon.

 

Lush green grass and burnt sienna trees.
Lush green grass and burnt sienna trees.
Canyon top with green grass and burned trees.
Canyon top with green grass and burned trees.

 

 

 

 

Wildflower with burned tree.
Wildflower with burned tree.
Green fields.
Green fields.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green hillside with wildflowers.
Green hillside with wildflowers.