The Naturalist's Guide provides an authoritative, user-friendly reference for anyone living in or visiting the Southern Rocky Mountains, an area encompassing most of Colorado and portions of southern Wyoming and northern New Mexico. This popular region includes the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains, innumerable deep canyons and gorges, sweeping valleys, one of the world's tallest inland dune fields, and scenic headwaters. Drawing on extensive scientific research and more than 35 years of her own field observations, Audrey Benedict explores the region's extensive geography and natural history. Includes information on the flora, fauna, geology, weather patterns, and landscapes of this varied and beautiful region.