Spring Branch

The Spring Branch RNA occupies a dissected volcanic plain in the outer foothills of the San Juan Mountains and includes outstanding examples of shortgrass and mixed-grass prairies, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and mixed-conifer forest plant communities representative of the San Luis Valley-San Juan Mountains transition zone. Most of the area is covered by shortgrass and mixed-grass grasslands that serve as prime winter range for elk. Shrublands alternate with pinyon-juniper in some places, and the higher elevations are covered by mixed conifer forest primarily composed of Douglas-fir, limber pine, and aspen.