Three distinct habitats support many animals and plants. Cottonwood and willow trees share the moist riverbanks with saskatoon, rose and buffalo-berry bushes. Cacti, greasewood and many species of sage survive in the hot dry badlands. Prairie grasses dominate the landscape above the valley rim.
Many different animals make their home here.
Watch for mule and white-tailed deer as well as cottontail rabbits. Coyotes may be seen but are more often heard. Look for pronghorn antelope on the vast rolling prairie. Bird-watching is excellent in May and June in the cottonwood groves. You can observe warblers, woodpeckers and waterfowl there.