Swamp Park Trail

Swamp Park Trail

The trailhead is on the parking lot’s north side, just across from a private drive. Rumbling in the darkly vegetated crevice to the right is Mad Creek. As the trail edges the south-facing slope and rises above private property, be aware that this is rattlesnake habitat. If one is seen, walk slowly around it, keeping a distance of 4 yards or more. In rattlesnake territory, remind your companions to place their hands and feet only in places they can see; surprised rattlers are often aggressive! While walking this dry, gravelly terrain, point out the plants that thrive here: oak, sage, juniper, and pinyon. Evening primrose, a large white-petaled, ground-hugging flower, is among the prettiest of dry-land flora to be found here. Watch for a primrose in its closed-bud stage. When one is found, let a child feel the plant respond to his or her hands held carefully cupped around the unopened flower. Under the best of conditions (warm hands held for at least five minutes), the flower petals open. This sensation makes the hike unforgettable.

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