Can't Stay Out of Those Arroyos

Relatively straight path to the lower desert

Becca and I set off for the outback west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, and, as usual, we ended up exploring several different arroyos.  It's hard to stay away from arroyos because many of the interesting things to see in the desert are found in these normally-dry washes.  Of course, one of the most fascinating aspects of sandy arroyo bottoms is the sheer number of animal tracks that can be found there.  And, if we're lucky, we might encounter a few different species of critters in these remote locales.

Cholla cactus fruit

About to dip through a deep, narrow arroyo

On critter patrol even while taking a break

Small arroyo we cross on the Crosscut Trail

Shades of fall in the desert

Still a lot of flowers, though

Two separate arroyos that merge at this junction

Barrel Cacti

Closer look at the barrels

Small dead tree in an a large arroyo

Becca looks for other animals in the arroyos

Where water courses through the desert

Out of the arroyo now

Creosote stays green

Odd-looking Torrey Yucca

Small forest of Torrey Yuccas

Torrey Yucca forest looking the other way

Ocotillos quickly losing leaves

Peaceful Chihuahuan Desert scene

Autumn color in an Ocotillo

Soaptree Yucca flowering in late October

Just yesterday there were no flowers

There'll be even more flowers tomorrow

Flowerless ancillary stalk (right)

Happy insect