Hot Springs National Park Mountain Trail Ice Flower
Hot Springs National Park Mountain Trail Ice Cocoon
Dead Chief Trail - Nature's Ice Ribbon Sculptures (Gulpha Gorge)
In January of 2010 I first noticed these ice formations on the trails, I reached down to pick them up thinking they were plastic. My intention had been to clean up the mess left in the Forest. Once in my hand I realized they were beautiful pieces of ice, I immediately felt guilty for disturbing Nature’s beautiful art. In Hot Springs National Park I only saw these beautiful creations on the north face of the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and the South face on the Dead Chief Trail heading to the Gulpha Gorge. Both of these areas had one trait in common, they always felt colder than other places in the park. It often felt as if I was stepping into a curtain of cold air when I would reach these specific locations on the Trail. I learned later these are known as microclimates, a microclimate is a localized atmospheric zone where the differs climate conditions differ from the surrounding area. Learn More: Encyclopedia Britannica: Microclimates
My original thought had been that these formed by freezing on vegetation and then sliding perhaps twisting down to the ground. The truth, they are caused by moisture extruding from cracks in the base of a dead plant stem. The ribbons of ice are pushed out the dead stems and form the beautiful shapes as found in my photographs above. I hope to capture many more this coming winter. Learn More: Ice Ribbons and Frost Flowers
Nature is the best classroom, I am a very enthusiastic student.
Much Love,
Lee
Hike Our Planet - @HikeOurPlanet 
These are amazing. I remember when you first saw them. I never got to, as was not hiking then, but look forward to seeing them this year. Thanks for sharing. Love ur Rick
It will make my Heart Joyful to show them to you… we will however have to bundle you up as they live in the coldest places in the heart of winter.
Love my Beloved Husband.
Your Lee xx00xx
Lee! What little miracles you’ve found! I never seen anything like them. My Stars – Nature is a riddle, mystery & bountiful Mother. I love Her.
And you!
Thanks for adding so much to my otherwise drab existence;-)
smoochies!
LuRain
x
My Dearest Aunt LuRain,
You have given me hope for this world, your Love of life and it beautiful details makes Rick and I joyful. Nature is my Soul and I know she Loves you back :o)
I cannot image you were ever Drab!
Love You,
Lee xx00
I’m glad you got to experience this phenomenon too—and much earlier in the season than it occurs in central Texas:
Thanks Steve, I have posted about Frost Flowers on several occasions as they occur regularly in several micro-climate locations in Hot Springs National Park.
Kindest Thoughts and Wishes,
Lee