Back Side of the Mountain

Probably the entrance to a Packrat den

And, no, I don't mean Tortugas's buttocks, but a hike behind the mountain's south side.  The depression visible in image #2 was particularly well populated by the Devil's Head Cactus (Echinocactus horizonthalonius), aka "Turk's Head" (image # 5).  I don't recall a year since I've lived here that I've seen so many specimens.  Becca and I had a good long trek this morning, and the temperature was conducive to such a hike:  not as humid, and with a slight moderating breeze.  (There are two posts today, this and the following videos.)

Narrow trail behind the mountain

Very healthy Ocotillos

Happy hiker dog

Devil's Heads all over the place



Prickly Pear pads the size of dinner plates



Ripe red pears of the Prickly Pear Cactus