Sierra Norte Trek

Starting off in the high foothills of the Organ Mountains

Dr. K, Becca and I set off early for a long hike on the Sierra Norte Trail.  We left the Sierra Vista parking lot, crossed Soledad Canyon Road and trekked north from the high foothills into the lower high desert.  Knowing that we are heading for a temperature of 77 F. we dressed appropriately, though a stiff breeze kept the comfort level just right.  We did the entire hike without seeing another hiker, but as we approached Soledad Rocks we saw a mother and her son at the very top.  The last two images here are of Soledad Rocks.

Dr. K and Becca on the Sierra Norte Trail

Narrow path between leafless Ocotillos

This trail has many elevation gains and losses

You have to hike over a mile to get to this gate into the protected area

Slowly descending on a long trail

Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus bears out its name

The starkly beautiful Organ Mountains

Each of these homes sits on 25 acres and is the size of a small plaza

Pretty mountain perch

What looks to be a house fire in the valley

Barrel Cactus, about two-feet tall

Four Barrel buddies are actually clones

Purple Prickly Pear Cactus

A mother and her young son do some rock climbing

Soledad Rocks (foreground), Organ Mountains (rear)