It is a trail of contrasts. Between Rocks Sheer cliffs are juxtaposed against flat alluvial tablelands. Streams with huge boulders and banks cut so steeply that the roots of the tenacious trees are exposed, transition into wide, flat, dry stream channels. Rocks rounded and smoothed by tumbling streams contrast with rocks, sharp and angular, riven from their source by frost. Between Wet and Dry Lush, tall growth surrounds clear, brown pools of remaining water.
Some late bloomers telescope the season.
Poison oak has some leaves, large and shiny green in the shady areas, and others, more exposed to sun and drought, turning rose-red, scarlet and crimson. The most beguiling sight is buckwheat in bloom. One cannot really appreciate this plant when it is seen only along the roadsides. But in masses, in fields, in late summer when nothing else is in bloom, there's no plant that can match it for beauty. These mountains are so unique, so distinctive, little in books describe their habitats, so small are they in area.