When artists and photographers portray Colorado's mountainous beauty, they usually capture the classic views of evergreen forests, stands of quaking aspens, and meadows of brilliant wildflowers. The montane area above 8,000 feet contains just such views. Ponderosa pines tower over south-facing slopes an thick forests of Douglas firs blanket north-facing slopes. During the summer, Colorado's state flower, the blue columbine is abundant in many shady glens.Almost 2000 elk in the Pikes Peak herd range through the open meadows and forests of this elevation. Other common mammals include pine squirrels, porcupines, mule deer and black bears. Listen for chickadees, flickers, blue Stellar's jays and many other bird calls carrying on the mountain breezes.
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