Big Sagebrush
Last Review/Updated: May 10, 2002
© Alberta Government |
This area provides ideal conditions for many species otherwise uncommon in Alberta. Patchworks of pine and poplar forests, and grassy and shrubby glades on the river valley bottoms rise into rubble and bedrock outcrops supporting scrub aspen, lodgepole pine, subalpine meadows and open rockland. Vegetation thins toward the crest into lichen-covered boulders and alpine cushion plants.
© Alberta Government |
The varied habitats support many different plants and animals. Plant lovers should have little trouble finding some of the 35 species that are rare in Alberta, 10 of which are rare in Canada, including the delicate, creamy white Mariposa lily. Blue grouse, Clark's nutcracker, Townsend's solitaire and varied thrush are some of the area's many bird species, and with luck you may see soaring golden eagles, colourful lazuli buntings or calliope hummingbirds.
Columbian ground squirrels, golden-mantled ground squirrels, and mule deer are easily spotted, and look for pika, moose, wapiti and bighorn sheep. Grizzly and black bears are also found here. Road access from Secondary Hwy. 774 is rough and may be restricted by snow during winter.
