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The San Francisco Peaks are actually the remains of an extinct volcano. Millions of years ago this great mountain was shattered by an explosion similar to the one that devastated Washington's Mt. Saint Helens in 1980. Inside the now quiet caldera a lush alpine environment has blurred evidence of that cataclysmic event. Lockett Meadow Campground is a small primitive campground with views of the San Francisco Peaks and camping opportunities in the cool aspen trees that surround Lockett Meadow. The Inner Basin trail that goes into the hart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. From this island of emerald ringed with aspen and high peaks it follows a primitive road into the mountain's now quiet Inner Basin. Extensive stands of aspens cover the steep slopes of the old caldera coloring them solid gold in early fall. In spring and summer, wildflowers add a sprinkling of blue, red and yellow. Avalanche tracks streak down the talus slopes and remnants of old lava flows bear witness to the mountain's cataclysmic heritage. You may see porcupine and elk or the hennit thrush who sings his best here. Even Black bears have been known to stroll right through groups of picnickers without so much as a glance at their lunches.
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