The Red Rocks Trail Extension

I took a hike this morning at the Matthews/Winters Park.  The park authorities were boasting about a new extension to their Red Rocks Trail, and I was eager to check it out.

The main trail starts with a view of the prairie abutting the foothills.

I reached the foothills and took the new trail extension, which veers down into an isolated valley.  I couldn't see or hear a soul.

I emerged from the valley and saw a huge boulder covered with yellow and white lichens.  This is a case of the plant kingdom vandalizing the mineral kingdom.

I took a brief rest sitting on a flat rock.  At my feet was a strange, little bush with curved filaments covered with light fuzz.

It's easy to miss interesting sights if you're moving too quickly.