Tucson Mountain Park

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 25, 2016

We have enjoyed some incredible weather the past few days...just perfect for hiking the Tucson Mountain Park.  The trails are close by and rarely do we ever see anyone else. John and Pam (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com), who will be heading north soon, have mastered these trails so what a treat to join them one more time.  The older section of the Tucson Mt. Park has miles of trails that intersect and NO signage unlike the new Robles Pass Section which is well marked. It's a good thing Google maps has all the details. 

John and Pam checking the trail directions...

With that said, Joe and I followed the leader, enjoyed John and Pam's company and were once again  awed by the surrounding beauty. 

Segments of jumping cholla cover the ground...

I love the way the sunlight adds a glow to these cholla (pronounced choy-a).  These are called Teddy Bear cholla because they resemble fuzzy arms and legs of a teddy bear.  But don't let the name fool you.  They might just be the most feared/respected cacti in the desert.  
This cholla is also referred to as a jumping cholla.  The segmented joints of this cholla separate from the plant when brushed up against.     
















Another cholla we see often is the Chain-Fruit Cholla.

It can grow to about 15 feet tall making it the largest of the chollas.  New fruit is added to the fruit from previous seasons creating a chain.

And another familiar variety here is the 
Staghorn cholla with a very close cousin called the Buckhorn.  The main difference that I could find is that the Stag tends to have more of a purple tint.  Another significant difference is that the fruit of the Stag is fleshy and spineless and remains attached to the plant throughout the winter.

The fruit from last year is quite showy on the Staghorn Cholla.

 One last cholla worth mentioning is the Christmas Cholla.  The spines on this cholla are different as only one very long spine is produced by each areole instead of a cluster.

Small fruits are bright red and last through the winter, hence the name Christmas.

 According to DesertUSA (desertusa.com) there are more than 20 species of Cholla cactus in the North American Desert. 
There are many benefits from these amazing plants including providing homes and foods for wildlife. 

It looks like the saguaro will be blooming soon...

 ...and we saw a prickly pear growing in a saguaro.

 It was another great day in the desert with friends...

...and we were not the only ones enjoying the beautiful weather.  We saw a lizard... 

 ...and a Bull snake enjoying the warm sunshine too!

 Until next time...

happy days and happy trails!

A Walk Through A Saguaro Forest

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
February 19, 2016


Joe and I have done quite a few desert hikes in the past few years. It was love at first sight when we arrived in Tucson back in January 2013 and I saw saguaro cacti for the first time up close and personal. The desert has since had a draw for us that some will understand and others can't figure out. 

The hike we did last Friday with John and Pam was one of the prettiest saguaro forests we have had the pleasure of hiking. Absolutely amazing how dense the forest is there...



We did a lollipop trail with the stick being a combination of switchbacks and an easy climb on the Camaro Loop Trail that connects to Boulder Belt Trail, the saddle section.  The lollipop/loop portion is the Flight Path Trail. 

Right from the get go, we saw colors that we didn't see the week before.  



Could it be that spring is not far away?

The Globe Mallow is just beginning to bloom...look at all those buds.

A hint of purple from the Wild Hyacinth is always nice... 

...along with the shades of pink from  from the Fairy Duster.  


The flowers on this low growing shrub attract hummingbirds and butterflies. 

And one more, the pale yellow of the Desert Rose Mallow. It's a delicate little flower on a weak stem so it usually grows up through other plants for support. 










                                                                                               

One thing Pam and I totally agree on and enjoy when hiking in the desert are the views...in all directions!

Feb. 19, 2016...crested #1

Just like our other hike with Pam and John, we knew we would be in for a treat because not 1, but 3 crested saguaro could be seen on this hike with all of them being right next to the trail.

 Sometimes a saguaro produces a fan-shaped form of growth at the tip. These growths are referred to as a cresting (or cristate) and are rare occurrences. 

crested #2

When you consider how slowly a saguaro grows (a 10 year old plant will be about 1.5 inches tall) the crested ones we have seen must be many years old.  

 

crested #3

A crested sighting is special and sought after by many.   

We have another hike planned with John and Pam so stay tuned for our next adventure. 

Until then, let the good times roll...

and happy trails!