In the spring, buttercups, bluebells, and yellowbells bloom first, followed by lupine, skyrockets, and sunflowers, which bloom until late July. Rattlesnakes can be found in this warmer climate also. In the higher country, mountain mahogany, aspen, serviceberry, and snowberry are common. Yellow violets, monkshood and red columbine are found in the shade of aspen groves. Mountain and western bluebirds can be seen along with many raptors.
Mule deer make their summer home in the high basins and draws.
The geology changes from phyllite to granite as you move to the high country. Phyllite is a fine grained greenish gray metamorphic rock similiar to slate but often having a wavy surface and a luster due to small flecks of imbedded mica. Granite, in contrast, is a light colored metamorphic rock with a coarse, granular structure. Santa Rosa Peak at 9,701 feet is the dominant feature of the basin. The nearly vertical rim is crescent shaped with wind swept limber pine growing at the tree line.