I just found your posting from Oct. Hope I'm not too late to weigh in some notes. I lived in Colorado for 39 years, mostly in the Denver area, where I successfully grew peaches and apricots organically in a home garden without any protection. Equally as relevant, however, is I did lots of geology field work for decades in the Moab, Paonia, Palisade and other areas of the Four Corners states, and part of my job was evaluating potential wilderness areas. After a big back packing trip, I'd rest up in Capitol Reef,car camping next to the orchards. Yes, it was a hard job but someone had to do it. Sounds like you have already discovered the peach and apples. Apricots around Palisade and Montrose are incredible. Inspirational! Sweet cherries, too, and pie cherries in Paonia, on the North Fork of the Gunnison. Not only is having water rights essential, but also be sure to check the water quality. Much of it can be alkaline and high dissolved solids, so steps must be taken. Best of luck on both the fruit growing and the hiking.

Maybe Wyethia amplexicaulis...white Mule's Ears??? Link to info below. Whatever the plant turns out to be, your images are gorgeous. :-) Rosie Here is a link that might be useful: Mule's Ears

Moab is in Utah. The photo was taken in Arches National Park. There were many Germans there that day and when they saw me taking a picture of the sunset, everyone ran to get a quick photo, however, I was already in the best spot, since there were rocks and bushes hiding the sunset from the walk area. It also had rained earlier in the day making it a difficult or at least a muddy walk off the trail. Kt

We love that area down there. My favorite of the red rocks, in Bryce Canyon and Canyon Lands. Love all you travel photos Nita.