Some of the most common trees are Ponderosa pine, Gambel's oak, Douglas fir, New Mexico juniper, pinon pine, and alligator juniper. Cactus are common, with the most frequently observed being prickly pear and cholla. Two abundant species, which many visitors have never seen and therefore frequently inquire about, are buffalo gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima, also known as coyote melon) and prickly poppy (Argemne platycepas).
Did You Know?
John Otto's efforts almost a century ago continue to to help visitors experience Colorado National Monument. Of the 40 miles of trails available to hikers in the Monument, many of them were first built by original park custodian john Otto.
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