Thursday, March 15, 2012

March 12, Touring Organ Pipe

At 9:15, we set off to drive the 21 mile scenic Aho Mountain loop and hike on the 4.1 mile Estes Canyou/Bull Pasture Trail.
The red line is the drive.










Lynda inspecting a large saguaro. The needles are very hard and sharp!












We came across some dead saguaro, showing the ribs that hold it up. They are wooden tubes that transport water, when it is available.











We also came across some dead Cholla Cactus, showing the skeleton structure.












Wind, not weather formed this double arch. Natural arches are rare in the park. The big arch is 36" (11M) high, 90' (27M) wide, and more than 720' (220M) long.










Next along the drive was the trailhead for the Estes Canyon,Bull Pasture trail, so we parked & set off. From "you are here", we went up on the blue trail, then around and back across the red trail, which comprised a 4.1 mile hike.











Us and a magnificent Organ Pipe Cactus and a Saguaro




We exited the trail at 1:25, had a picnic lunch then continued the loop drive. The road was "graded" but very rough. Good thing we were in the truck!





After supper, I went to the campground restroom for a shower and had the day's dust blasted from me with HIGH POWER - HOT water! Then ready for a quiet night. Lots of stars to be seen!

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