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| Horseshoe Lake, a cool oasis high in the Santa Cruz mountains. |
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Near the shore, a large California Newt rises
to the surface for a quick gulp of air. |
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The trail loops around the lake, passes into
forest shade, then climbs a small hill. |
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| Fence Lizards are a common sight along the trail to the lake. |
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Many different kinds of wildflowers edge the trail,
including this non-native camomile. |
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| Winecup Clarkia can be seen blooming in several places. |
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| Bright yellow Mariposa Lilies favor sunny hillsides (mid-May to mid-July). |
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Banks of Sticky Monkeyflower can be found
in sheltered areas (April through July). |
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Non-native Bird's Foot Lotus is common everywhere
along the trail, an important nectar source for insects. |
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Rock surfaces exposed to sun retain heat, creating
a comfortable spot for cold-blooded reptiles to rest. |
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| In shaded areas, wildflowers like this Ocean Spray bloom (mid-July). |
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In the undergrowth beside the trail, the pink blush
of the California Wild Rose (June-July). |
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Along this same shaded avenue, Crimson Columbines
brighten the path (June-July). |
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| Banks of Farewell-to-Spring Clarkia can be found blooming in sunny areas. |
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| Skunkweed blooms June to September and edges the trail in drier areas. |
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This beautiful wildflower is Davy's Centaury.
Look for it as the trail climbs uphill. |
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| And where there are wildflowers, there are butterflies feeding. |
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| A Callippe Fritillary sips nectar from a buckeye flower (July). |
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| A Mylitta Crescent perched on a camomile flower. |
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Newly emerged Chalcedon Checkerspot.
Its wings still crumpled from confinement in its cocoon. |
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| A tiny Western Tailed Blue butterfly sips nectar from a camomile flower. |
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| An Acmon Blue turns around slowly as it feeds. |
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This Acmon Blue thinks there may still be
a little nectar left in this dried out Italian thistle. |
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| A Common Ringlet feeds on camomile. |
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During a visit 14 July, clouds of tiny
Golden Hairstreaks danced along the trail's shaded avenues. |
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| More than a hint of autumn in the air. |
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Showy butterflies like this California Sister
favor cool forests with water nearby. |
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| Numerous dragonflies patrol Horseshoe Lake in search of food. |
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Although exquisitely beautiful, dragonflies
like this 8-Spotted Skimmer, are serious predators. |
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| A female 8-Spotted Skimmer pauses at the water's edge. |
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Dragonflies prey on small insects as well as
on tiny mosquito fish, tadpoles and baby frogs. |
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| A magnificent Flame Skimmer pauses briefly before resuming flight. |
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| Gripping a dry stalk, a Cardinal Meadowhawk balances effortlessly. |
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| Cardinals' vivid color, streamlined body aids in identification. |
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| Nearby, a Blue Dasher adopts a similar pose. |
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Blue Dasher's are distinguished from Western Pondhawks
by their teal green-blue eyes and white faces. |
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Smaller, less active, this female Widow Skimmer
almost went unnoticed among the reeds. |
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| Watch for her close to the base of weeds along the shore. |
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| As green as the surrounding foliage, a female Western Meadowhawk. |
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| A pair of Tule/Arroyo Bluet damselflies in congress. |
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| Bench near the lake is an ideal spot for observing dragonflies. |
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| From here, the trail passes through a quarter mile of shaded forest avenues. |
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| Then emerges into sunlight as the trail climbs a small hill above the lake. |
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| A variety of wildflowers can also be found along this stretch of trail. |
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| A Fence Lizard suns itself beside the trail. |
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As summer wears on, wildflowers and butterflies will fade away.
Visit Horseshoe Lake soon. |
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More dragonflies? Visit Roop Pond. |