Sunrise In Saguaro National Park–East (National Park Week, April 22 to April 30) — Images by kenne
Living in the Tucson basin is like living in a national park since the Saguaro National Park is on both the east and west sides of Tucson —
two parks in one. In the 13 years we have lived in Tucson, I have spent much time hiking in this park.
— kenne
Saguaro National Park-West
Douglas Spring Trail — Image by kenne
— kenne
Hiking Sombrero Peak, located in Saguaro National Park–West, is a 3.3-mile out-and-back hike
with 1500 cumulative feet of elevation gain. — Panorama by kenne
Pincushion Cactus Flowers — Image by kenne
When most people think of cactus in the Sonoran Desert, the image that comes to mind is the giant saguaro cactus.
The saguaro grows only in the Sonoran Desert is one of the largest cacti. The saguaro cactus is a symbol of the American Southwest.
Its inner meaning expresses the idea of standing tall, adapting to the environment, and providing shelter and nourishment for others.
Given its stature and authority, it holds a grandfatherly type of wisdom.
Because saguaros are so common in the Tucson area, it is home to one of this nation’s national parks, the Saguaro National Park.
However, it is not the most common cactus in the Sonoran Desert. That honor goes to the little pincushion cactus.
Being so small and often in the shadows of the giant saguaro, their chances of being noticed are slim unless they are blooming.
— kenne
Smoke and Haze — Photo-Artistry by kenne
— kenne
Jim and John Walking to the Broadway Trailhead In Saguaro National Park. — Images by kenne
Yesterday morning and this morning, it’s been cool enough to consider hiking in the desert.
So, when Tom called yesterday and asked me to go hiking, I felt a rush of energy pinned up since the spring.
Normally the hot desert days drive us up to Mt. Lemmon to hit the mountain trails.
However, this summer, the trails have been closed because of the Big Horn Fire.
So, this morning Jim, John, Tom, and I met at the usual meeting place outside the Bear Canyon branch
of the Pima County Library to mask-up and carpool to one of the many park trailheads.
Here in Tucson, we are not currently experiencing the orange sky the forest fires have created in California.
But, we have a haze covered sky coming from the many fires in the western states, making it easy to look directly at the sun.
Signs of our prolonged drought are everywhere. Even normally, drought-resistant plants are struggling.
We spent about 2 1/2 hours hiking various trails and washes in the Park. My friends have been hiking
these trails much longer than I, and if you are wondering, I’m the youngest of us.
HAPPY FEET!
Morning Sunlight in the Saguaro National Park – East — Photo-Artistry by kenne
Santa Catalina Mountains from Saguaro National Park — Image by kenne
GENEROSITY
— Charles Rafferty
Sunrise On Wildhorse Trail (Saguaro National Park – East) — Image by kenne
― Paul Tillich
Twin Towers (Saguaro Cactus’ In Saguaro National Park-East, January 3, 2020)
— Image by kenne
— kenne
A Morning Hike In Saguaro National Park Hike-East (01/03/20)– Image by kenne
— kenne
“See You On The Trail” (Saguaro National Park, 01/03/20) — Image by kenne
— kenne
After a day of rain in the Tucson basin and snow on Mt. Lemmon, Tom, John, Jim and I
hiked the Wildhorse Trail in the Saguaro National Park-East.
Click Here To See More Wildhorse Trail Images by kenne
— Gary Snyder
Desert Spiny Lizard On His Throne — Image by kenne
— kenne
Loma Alta Trailhead Saguaro National Park — Image by kenne
— from “The Hollow Men” by T.S. Eliot
