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!

More from my hike on March 4th. to the Hugh Norris trail

Continuing from the Mine up to Hugh Norris

And up!

Looking back the way I came.

Lofty view!

This is my view from the Hugh Norris Saddle. Sat here and enjoyed a respit

The mine in the foreground has been in operation as long as I can remember. When I moved to Tucson in '82, there was another mountain her....it is now gone!

This view is of the mountain one normally views from Ava Valley Rd.

Mountains in the distance are the Tortillitas.

This is a different view of Piacho peak!

Converging trails....to the left is the Sendero Esperanza meeting the Hugh Norris, where I am sitting.  There are sign post to let you know where to go next!

This is the post from the Esperanza trail that leads down from the mine.

Trail is a bit rocky here.  Doesn't appear to be really well traveled. Didn't see alot of boot tracks, did see horse shoes tracks.

Looking up from the Gould Mine trail to the tailings.

This brush, is normally a grey green during the summer.  I have never seen it like this!

Another view of the tailings.

Looking back up the Gould Mine trail...hey it really IS this color!

Heading back to the trail head

So neat to see the ocotillow so greened up.

The red sand limestone rock here is really odd.  Just pops up suddenly.

GOODIE, almost done!

Up out of the wash.  Trail looks different from this point of view. This is where I started out!

Ok , for some of the wild flowers in bloom...This is called Fairy Duster. A favorite of Hummingbirds. Not one here...

group of poppies.

GREEN Desert! What an oddity!

Last but not least....no they are NOT a desert flower, nor native here.  But they bloom in peopls yards this time of year.  SO happy in the sunshine.  Wanted to finish with this bright spot!

ENJOY!