Sierra Norte Trail

The start of the Sierra Norte Trail

Dr. K, Becca and I headed up into the Organ Mountains this morning and hiked the Sierra Norte Trail, not far downslope from Soledad Canyon.  It was surprisingly warm for 8:00 a.m., and we peeled our windbreakers off almost immediately.  The trail descends gradually to its end point at Dripping Springs Road, making for an arduous return trip.  We didn't run into anybody until we were about a mile from the trailhead; then we saw Jorge the mountain biker, four hikers with three dogs, a man and woman hiking together, and a woman hiking alone.

Fruit of a Barrel Cactus

Climable rock formations

Rocky formations in the Organ Mountains

Dr. K and Sniffy the dog

Looking down on Tortugas Mountain

Great picnic spot



Local color




Apach Plume (foreground)



Closeup of Apache Plume

The Organ Mountains

Four sisters (four-part Barrel Cactus clones?)

Up a steep slope

Packrat and Becca beside a good-size Barrel Cactus