Sierra Vista National Recreation Trail

Two of my favorite yuccas

Dr. K, Becca and I got an early start on our trek into OMDPNM this morning, and we were surprised to see the campground near the Sierra Vista Trail sparsely populated.  We did a two-hour hike and ran into absolutely no one on the trail.  We did see a lone Mule Deer who was making tracks after hearing us coming.  She did pause a few times to ensure we weren't in pursuit of her before disappearing to the west.  We took the first single-track east toward the Organ Mountains, followed it to the overlook where the trail intersects with the dirt road, and then took the road back to the intersection at the single-track, which we hiked to the main trail.  The one RV that had occupied a space below the parking lot when we arrived earlier was gone upon our return.  We enjoyed the beautiful weather during our time well spent in the national monument.

This and the next four:  lone Mule Deer at the start of our hike

New trail marker at the western single-track

Do I see someone coming?

Rugged Chihuahuan Desert grassland

Trail marker at the intersection of dirt road and single-track

Barrel Cacti in the grass

There's a dog in this photo

Headed toward the mountains

The awesome Organ Mountains

Organs in B&W