Sierra Vista del Sur

Just starting out on the Sierra Vista Trail (Bishop Cap in distance)

We three--Dr. K, Becca and I--went for an early-morning hike on the Sierra Vista Trail (south) today.  There was a pickup truck with an attached horse trailer in the parking lot there, and even though we saw evidence of equestrian activity (namely hoofprints) along the path, we ran into nobody during our entire trek.  There was another car in the lot when we returned, but those hikers must have chosen the north section of the trail for their outing.  It was a glorious morning in the high desert, sunny sky, cool temperatures and a light breeze.  The mountain foothills were completely blanketed in yellow and white flowers, making for a satisfying aesthetic experience.  Plus there were plenty of scents for Becca to sample.

Sotols growing in the Organ Mountains foothills

Sotols and the rugged Organs

Rocky high desert

Sotol is also called "Desert Spoon"

Blackfoot Daisies

Happy hiker in the high desert

Nothing Becca likes better than an early-morning hike in the high desert

Blackfoot Daisies

New growth on a Prickly Pear Cactus pad

Dr. K is a happy hiker, too

Shade break for Becca

Mormon Tea flowering

Fairy Duster

Fairy Duster

I'm going with Fendler's Bladderpod

Desert Evening Primrose

Mexican Gold Poppy

Mexican Gold Poppy

Mexican Gold Poppy

Desert Sumac

Dr. K (left :) and Becca

Sunny view of Sotols in the Organ Mountains foothills

Mexican Gold Poppies

How tall is a Sotol? (Dr. K is 5' 9")