Starting on the Other Side

Near the Monte Vista parking lot

The weather was perfect for a morning hike, sunny and cool with a slight breeze to keep our body temperatures down.  Dr. K, Becca and I appreciated the ideal conditions.  We trekked about two-thirds of the way around Tortugas Mountain starting from the east side, then retraced our steps.  We saw nobody in the far outback, and only one hiker on the trail nearest the parking area.  What a difference from yesterday when the mountain was loaded with outdoor enthusiasts.  Perhaps everybody else was in church this morning.

Massive boulders on the east side of the mountain

More big boulders

Becca always sees something

The road behind the Tortoise

Where the trail bends around in the mountain foothills

The Organ Mountains from the southwest side of Tortugas

A very tall Torrey Yucca on the northern slope

Clouds over the Organ peaks