The region we explore for this Bioregional Outdoor Education Project is one of the most picturesque places in the world. The land is dominated by high mesas and literally thousands of basins, washes, and canyons. Thick stands of pinyon pine and juniper spot the canyon rims and mesas tops. A tangle of willow, cottonwood, and tamarisk carpet the bottomlands, washes, and riparian areas.

In the springtime, mesa tops will likely be spotted with snow. The north facing ditches and canyon slopes and edges can be slippery and muddy with spring melt-water. The normally dry physical environment is at its wettest this time of year. In the spring, the canyon country comes into bloom, so tread lightly. You can expect to encounter water in the washes and waterfalls in the deep canyons.

In the summertime, the physical environment is quite dry and hot. Talus slopes tend to be quite loose and exposed rock slabs very warm. Washes, stream beds, and arroyos are usually empty and dry. The combination of cloudless skies, bright sun, and warm breezes can quickly cause dehydration, so seek shade whenever possible and keep an adequate supply of water on-hand at all times. Expect short but intense thunderstorms during July and August afternoons. Always be on the alert for flash floods while venturing into these areas during the summer.

Be prepared for some steep, rocky terrain while in the canyon country, particularly when visiting rock art panels and ruin sites. Most of the Plateau is above 5,000 feet so altitude may affect you with initial headaches, thirst, and fatigue if you come from sea level.