Hiking Out of Monte Vista

Zeroing in on the moon

Dr. K, Becca and I did a moderately-long trek east of Tortugas Mountain this morning, during which we encountered three mountain bikers.  They were the only people we bumped into today, though we did see a man and a woman hiking the foothills trail behind the mountain.  We went as far east as we could before coming to private property, and then turned around and headed west back the way we came.  The early-morning weather was pleasant, but things began to heat up significantly the longer we stayed out there.

Dr. K and Becca watching me descend a steep hill

On the trail through the upper grassland

Dr. K examining cacti while Becca scouts the trail ahead

The "mountain view" (Monte Vista)

Mountain biking just east of Tortugas Mountain

Heading toward the Organ Mountains

Three friendly mountain bikers

Last of the bikers we encountered on the trail

Road back to the mountain

View of Tortugas Mountain's southeast side

Getting closer to the trailhead

Rugged east side of Tortugas Mountain

A group of yuccas on the mountain's north side