Saturday Sojourn in the Desert

Jet over Tortugas

It wasn't very crowded around Tortugas Mountain when Becca and I started off this morning, but it was really packed when we got back after our trek.  The Sunset Area parking lot was completely full.  Because it's supposed to be sunny and warmer today outdoor enthusiasts have flocked to the desert for exercise in the fresh air.  Who can blame them?--it was wonderful to get a long hike in before the day really gets underway.

Power to the mountain

I've got a kink in my neck

Hedgehog Cacti in the sunlight

Single-track out of the foothills

Hot-air ballooning in the desert

Bypassing the Crosscut Trail

Little gully

This desert is not flat

West of Tortugas and the Organs

Long dirt road across the desert

Torrey Yuccas and the Franklin Mountains near El Paso, Texas

Soaptree Yucca ornaments

Devil's Claw in Martian-like soil