East From the OMDPNM Sign

Arroyo not far from the trailhead

Dr. K, the Heelers and I did the same hike we did last Sunday, departing from the western entrance sign for Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and hiking east all the way up to the intersection with the Sierra Vista Trail (Norte) before retracing our steps.

The area was more crowded with mountain bikers this week, and we encountered quite a few; we also bumped into two hikers out enjoying a beautiful morning in our section of the northern Chihuahuan Desert.

It felt great to trek with Frio and Willow and watch them thoroughly get into the desert hiking experience.  We all got in a decent amount of exercise, though the Heelers' batteries will be completely recharged by late afternoon (if not sooner).

Blackfoot Daisies

Organ Mountains

Tiny purple flowers emerging from red buds

All reds are Scarlet or Claret Cup Hedgehog Cacti

Claret Cup Cactus and Barrel Cactus

Mountain biking in Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

Barrel Cacti

Hiking the single-track

Closer to the Organs

Last summer's Barrel Cactus fruits

Grassland

Yuccas near the end of this leg

Flowering Torrey Yucca

Cross purposes

This and the next:  California Poppies