Fallen bigtooth maple leaves form a collage atop limestone. Many of the mountains’ most delightful plants—Texas madrone, Douglas fir, Chinquapin oak—are all that remain of a wetter, cooler climate that reigned thousands of years ago. As the region became warmer and dryer, forests retreated, leaving relict stands in the higher mountains. The maples flourish along the Guadalupes’ many springs, where canyons provide shelter from the desert sun. Click any photo to view a larger version in a popup window (please disable popup blockers). |
