Views along the rim of the Aquarius Plateau

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Views Along The Rim

The Aquarius Plateau, known locally as the Boulder Top rises to more than 11,000ft. The highest known point is Bluebell Knoll, which is 11,322ft. The plateau is a basalt extrusion and is bounded by basalt escarpments around three sides. Pure stands of spruce are found on the Aquarius Plateau. On the top, near the rim you may find sparse stands of aspen [Populus tremuloides]. The west side slopes gradually, giving way to a mixed spruce, fir and aspen forest. Aspen stands are also found under the rim around the entire plateau.

The first recorded beetle infestation occurred on the Boulder Top around 1917, killing most of the mature spruce trees there before finally subsiding around 1929. Locals harvested much of the smaller spruce trees for corrals and fences. Later commercial logging operations harvested many of these trees for mine props. Commercial logging for saw logs on the slopes began around 1940, eventually moving up onto the Boulder Top. The top consists of wide open meadows interspersed with dense stands of spruce. As you approach the rim of the Aquarius Plateau, these stands of spruce are very dense with much deadfall and boulders. The Aquarius Indian paintbrush [Castilleja aquariensis] is found here. This plant is rare, and has been listed as “G2 Imperiled.” Believed to be endemic to the Aquarius Plateau and the Boulder Mountain area, it is often found near the Rim Lake overlook. Hiking along the rim can be very difficult due to the extremely rugged terrain. However, the views along the rim are spectacular and always rewarding for those hardy enough to attempt it.