 |
| Jeep Commander |
Because Becca and Dr. K didn't come with me on today's hike I decided to explore Soledad Rocks more extensively than I've done before. The "rocks" are directly across the road from the Sierra Vista Trail parking lot, and there's a half-mile hike around the base of the formations. The most fun to be had, however, is climbing on the rocks, though, as always, one must exert caution when scrambling across rugged outcrops in high places. I didn't take any risks, and I enjoyed my exploration. Afterward I got back on the Sierra Vista Trail Norte and headed down to Black Mountain, where I took some additional photographs before turning around. My nearly two-hour outing was made progressively more uncomfortable by the rising heat and humidity levels. Although our chances of significant precipitation are low today, we are headed for a high temperature of 99F. I have to admit I'm getting really tired of the hot weather.
 |
| At the Sierra Vista Trail parking lot |
 |
| Soledad Rocks (front), Organ Mountains behind |
 |
| Closer look at that rock formation |
 |
| Ocotillos growing in craggy places |
 |
| Peeking around the southeast side of Soledad Rocks |
 |
| Chorus line of Ocotillos |
 |
| Native American Bedrock Mortar filled with rainwater |
 |
| Bedrock Mortar hole |
 |
| Northwest side of Soledad Rocks |
 |
| Sotol growing at the base of the rocks |
 |
| Sun getting close to breaking over the rocks |
 |
| Huge old Sotol west of Soledad Rocks |
 |
| Around the north side of the rocks |
 |
| Fascinating formations |
 |
| How did that Ocotillo take hold way up there? |
 |
| I didn't scramble up to look |
 |
| View to the east from the north side of the rocks |
 |
| Cave |
 |
| Can't count the numerous rock formations |
 |
| Runoff |
 |
| Sierra Vista Trail (norte) |
 |
| On the brink of descending into a deep canyon |
 |
| Barrel Cactus |
 |
| Closeup of the above flower |
 |
| Ocotillos and the Organ Mountains |
 |
| On the far side of the deep canyon |
 |
| Barrel Cactus |
 |
| You can see why Fishhook Barrel Cactus is nicknamed the Candy Barrel |
 |
| With Trump in charge that last message is more important than ever |
 |
| More Barrel Cactus buds |
 |
| Sotol |
 |
| Nearly opened |
 |
| Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus |
 |
| Same Rainbow Hedgehog |
 |
| Honeybee on Apache Plume flower and interloper |
 |
| Apache Plume and the Organs |
 |
| More Apache Plume flowers |
 |
| Another happy bee |
 |
| Candy Barrel Cactus |
 |
| Becca didn't get to hike again today |
1 comment:
I'm glad you were able to explore the Soledad Rocks more extensively today, as well as the usual trail. Beautiful photos of the rock formations.
Post a Comment