Springtime in the desert

This is a great time of year to be in the desert. Things are warming up with the temperatures often in the mid-to-upper 70s and the lows around 50 degrees and of course a lot of sun. This is also when the landscape turns green and starts to bloom.

This past Sunday, I decided to hike from end-to-end on the National Trail at South Mountain in Phoenix. South Mountain forms the southern border of the valley and the National Trail extends over 15 miles from east to west. The trail winds through canyons, around peaks, through passes, and along ridges of the park. While on the hike, I documented the colors and how the mountain is beginning to bloom.

New saguaro arm


Saguaro peaking over the ridge


Branching saguaro


Golden hedgehog cactus


Rock moss


Trail rules


Barrel cactus carcus


New cactus growth


Baby teddy bear cholla


Teddy bear cholla family


Telegraph hill


Desert flower


Telegraph pass lookout


Ocotillo buds


Arizona barrel cactus growing out of a crack in the rock


California fire barrel cactus growing out of a crack in the rock


Cactus family looking out from their couch