Flowering Desert

Mountain bikers (a team?) taking on a steep slope

Considering how overcast it was this morning the number of flowering plants was quite surprising.  Most like to wait for the sun to encourage them to open.  In addition to abundant flowers on the Tortoise there were a few mountain bikers tackling the strenuous trails through the foothills.  Becca and I did a little bushwhacking during out long hike, getting off the trails in order to wander through a sandy arroyo or two.

Eager to get going

Flowers of the Torrey Yucca

Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus in bud

Claret Cup Hedgehog with bud and flowers

Closeups of the Claret Cup blossom

Torrey Yucca in flower

More bikers plying the mountain

Arizona Jewel Flower

Velvety Nerisyrenia

Velvety Nerisyrenia

Western Peppergrass

Torrey Yucca

Torrey Yucca flowers

C?  (university study area)

Torrey Yucca

Torrey Yucca with Tortugas and the Organ Mountains in the background

Becca running up a large arroyo

Flank of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Barrel Cactus

Inverted spur Yucca

Critters who eat Prickly Pear pads:  Javelinas, Jackrabbits and Packrats

Damianita

Claret Cup flowers