It is amazing to behold the continuous quivering of aspen leaves in groves around Grand County, even when there is no apparent breeze.
According to Ute legend, the reason for this unique aspect of the aspen tree happened during a visit to Erath from the Great Spirit during a special full moon. All of nature anticipated the Spirit's arrival and trembled to pay homage. All except the proud and beautiful aspen. The aspens stood still, refusing to pay proper respect. The Great Spirit was furious and decreed that, from that time on, the aspen leaves would tremble whenever anyone looked upon them.
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Sources:
Jan Petite, The Mountain People, Boulder 1990
William N. Byers, Ute Legends, Out West Magazine, July 1873