After several months in the warm, humid foliage of the Florida Everglades writing short stories and poems. My thoughts often drifted to hiking and backpacking the desert areas of the Southwestern US.
Early springtime in Saguaro National Park West is a magical place, with flowering plants and the ever-impressive Saguaro Cactus. Low temperatures and frost can kill a Saguaro, so they are not usually found above 4,000 feet. Saguaros have pleats that allow them to expand when they drink water (like an accordion) and contract as they use up their water supply.
The Saguaro is a tree-like species of cactus, which can grow to be over 40 feet tall. It is native to the areas of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, into the Mexican State of Sonora, the Whipple Mountains and the Imperial County areas of California. But when the Saguaro Catus blossoms which is the state wildflower of Arizon, they are incredibly beautiful.
After living my entire life in the midwest and on the east coast of the US hiking and backpacking. I have fallen in love with the desert cacti, the blooming flowers after rain or snow, the trails for day hikes, and backpacking.
Saguaro West National Park was my first experience with hiking in the desert. The park’s surrounding trails will forever hold a special place in my outdoor life.
Hiking in the desert, I discovered every plant has a defensive thorns, spike or thorns keeping animals from eating them and humans from destroying them most of the time. I will provide more photos of the blossoming plants, but until then click the link below to read about the plants of Saguaro National Park.
Plants of the Saguaro National Park link
Wow, you were there at a good time, those flowers are are pretty
Great pictures Marty! Next time you are in the Las Vegas area, please be sure to contact me.
I will. 😁✌️🏾👌🏾😎
Your photos are awesome!
Thank you Morishige. ✌️🏾😔😁👌🏾😎👍🏾
😘👍🏻
Sent from my iPad Teri Soled
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The flowers are glorious. I remember seeing cacti 🌵 for the first time and marvelling at how tall they were. Looking forward to seeing more cacti flowers.
Thank and they are simply beautiful as some of the National Parks are closing. Saguaro, East, and West are not maned, but I’m sure with enough infected people, these two will close soon.
Saguaro National Park is one of my most favorite places on earth, and I am delighted to return here today through your lens. I have never seen the blossoms in full bloom, so your post is that much more special. Great shots.
It is beautiful as it would appear the US National Parks will be closing. I was set to hike in the Grand Canyon when it shut down. So, hunkering down in Southern AZ until the virus subsides. You take care, Lisa.
I love Arizona and have had the opportunity to hike there a few times. I haven’t been to the Saguaro National Park yet but will definitely add it for a future trip. The pictures were great.
Wayne the beauty is incredible with sunrise sunsets especially. Keep in mind of the warming weather after May15, 90-degrees average high.