The legend tells of a young Native man who wasn't a hunter but an artist. His work was so wonderful the Great Spirit made a special plant for him to use. We know that plant as the Indian Paintbrush. It can be found all over the west, in a variety of colors. Those at Tortilla campground didn't have the same vibrant shades we have seen in the mountain grown version. Perhaps its the strong sun or maybe the limited water that causes the plant's color to be muted.