NPS Photo by Stella Carroll

Plants near the visitor center are significantly different than those in Lower Frijoles Canyon.

As you turn the corner ahead, notice the difference in plants, air temperature, wind direction, and even the smell of the air. You can tell that the environment is drier, for the plants are ones that tolerate hot, arid surroundings. The 700 foot change in elevation between the Visitor Center and the canyon bottom means that spring arrives at the Visitor Center about two weeks after it arrives here. In the fall, leaves change color here about two weeks later than at the higher elevations.

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