At first sight Utah’s high desert isn’t exactly teeming with life. It’s very uncommon to see large mammals grazing. Trees are few and far apart. Upon closer inspection, you may spot a skittish lizard between the cracks in a rock or a bird flying high above the desert monuments. Astute visitors will notice cacti, yuccas, and mosses that are built to withstand long periods of drought. Spacing between shrubs depends on the amount of seasonal rain. Most diversity is due to the Colorado River, which flows through the park.