On a hike up the canyon, down to the creek, back along the rim on the east side, then down and back up in Peterson Creek Park, only a handful of wildflowers were spotted (the usual suspects), but we also watched for fall colors and trees shaped by wind or erosion.

On the benchland near the Whiteshield Crescent Trailhead, there were several asparagus plants showing their vibrant yellows.

Seedheads from various asters and daisies will soon disperse in the winter winds.

Smooth sumac leaves had turned red on the canyon slopes.

In the bottom of the canyon, color was provided by cottonwoods, willows, red ossier dogwood, and douglas firs.

This ponderosa pine still seems robust.   We have hiked past it for many years, always expecting it to be at the end of its life cycle, but we are surprised to see it doing well each time we pass.

On the dry slopes of the canyon, rabbitbrush provides bright yellow colors.

“It blooms from August to October.^[9] It produces pungent-smelling, golden-yellow flowers. Flower heads are made up of 5 small, yellow, tubular disk flowers, and occur in umbrella-shaped terminal clusters. (Wikipedia)

On the opposite slope are two more trees growing at a low angles, stooping like old men, characters to be enjoyed along the way.