Soledad's Solitude

Our entrada into Soledad Canyon

Dr. K, Becca and I got a little later start this morning so we decided to do our Sunday hike in Soledad Canyon, which doesn't open its gates until 8 a.m.  When we got there before 8, though, there were already four vehicles in the parking lot.  No matter because we ran into absolutely nobody during our 80-minute trek.  We did see a few people on another trail as we headed out, but we had no direct encounters.  We'd have done a longer hike were it not so hot out there.  We're destined to hit the century mark today--100 degrees of pure northern Chihuahuan Desert--and we wanted to get out of the elements before the heat was turned up even higher.

Apache Plume

Closer look at Apache Plume

The very rugged Organ Mountains

Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) and visiting friend

Apache Plume flower and plume

More Apache Plume and Chimney Rock

Organ Mountain Outfitters

Becca on break

Sun through an Alligator Juniper (Juniperus deppeana)

Alligator Juniper (Juniperus deppeana)

Some of the formations along the Bar Canyon Trail

Heading toward the chimney

Sotol's dead flower stalk and Chimney Rock

Looking back on the Bar Canyon Trail

Too hot to do any climbing today

Even more Apache Plume and Chimney Rock

Headed back

A look around before we go

Sunshine and shadow in the Organ Mountains

Dr. K and Becca on a shade break

Some rugged territory

The only two clouds in the sky all morning

Still a long way to the pass