Saguaro National Park East

This panel was at the start of the Desert Ecology trail

There were posts all the way along this 1/4 mile walk. The next 3 were on one.

I don't know WHY someone defaced this panel, by scratching out MONSOON.
The rains in the desert are called that.  They DO come down in torrents, and the washes fill up fast.

                   Each set of 3 was on one post.  Took them this way to be able
                            to read the.  Take your time.  They are interesting!

Hope you enjoyed learning a bit about the Sononran Desert!

My Accidental Hike to Picacho Peak

Ok wanted to post these pictures here for a BIGGER view.  Some may come out more blurry, forgive.  Couldn't find my trip pod in the car till after I was done!

Most of what this sign says:  Picacho peak has been a navigational landmark throughout history......(not readable) early explorers such as Father Kino and Juan Batista Anza in 1932 a 40 foot light becon was installed at the top of the peak for air traffic navigation. Hunter trail on the south side of the peak was built by the Civil Engineer Corps to facilitate servicing the becon which was dismantled in 1965. When Picacho Peak was dedicated as a State Park in 1968, the second phase of Hunter trail was built beginning on the North side, crossing the saddle, connecting with the first phase.

The elevation of the Peak is 3, 374 feet. If you are in the Saddle which is approximately 2,960 feet in elevation. Picacho peak rises .......from the desert floor (can't read that part)

2 hikers at the very top!

The white "dots" are HIKERS!

Ok, hope you can see these ok!

AND A BONUS

MAP at the Park

Muddy Water galore in the Rillito River! 3-8-10

2.5 feet.  I have pictures of this SAME pilon with water over the top!

My road way....NOT

View up the river

Heavy flow here, but it has been much higher in the past during the summer.

Heavy here...the road already had alot of pot holes .  Wonder if there will be any pavement left?!