About Fossil Creek: Vegetation

The difference in elevation between the northeastern and southwestern parts of the wilderness area allows for a wide variety of plants. Within the cooler zone are Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, along with many other plants inhabiting that zone. On the slopes dropping down into the canyon, there is a transition zone dominated mainly by pinion and juniper. At the lower elevation is a mid desert ecosystem. Bordering the riparian band are mesquite and hack berry along with plants of this ecotype. These give way to a more arid zone of cat claw, scrub oak, prickly pear, and a variety of other shrubs and grasses. There are about 200 different species of plants found within this area.