Marilyn and I hiked 7.5 miles on Saturday afternoon. We hiked a similar route to that from two weeks earlier, when I had last visited the park. I’ve been trying to pick routes where we won’t see that many people.
MMRP’s hours have changed so that the park closes at 6:00 PM. Signs at the entrance indicate that the gates are closing at that time. In theory, it’s still possible to get out after 6:00 PM, but I’ve not yet put that theory to the test. I’ve been careful to limit the length of my hikes so that I finish before closing.
Poppies in Pemberton / Stoneman Wash:
One of many dead trees in the wash:
New growth on a buckhorn cholla:
This tree is the landmark that I look for as I near the point where the Long Loop crosses the wash. We saw three cyclists on the Long Loop as we approached.
I think this might be miniature woolystar/woolstar. Probably the most I’ve ever seen in one place.
Globemallow:
Lupine – we saw big patches of it as we hike along the Pemberton Trail.
Owl clover; we saw a lot of this flower too, but it seems to be drying out now.
A view from near the former ranch homestead (along the Pemberton):
I think this is either Slender Goldenweed or Spiny Goldenweed, but I don’t know which.
Fairy Duster; we were both very surprised to see this so late in the season.
I think this might be a kingsnake. I took several photos from the side and them moved around to take photos from the front. As I did so, it backed away into the nearby brush.
Marilyn spotted this Lizard on the Technical Loop:
Heather S. says:
So beautiful to see and nice snake and lizard pictures!
April 21, 2020 — 6:34 am
Linda says:
Beautiful pictures! So good you are able to find routes that limit your meeting others. Seem to be many more people hiking now since there is no where else to go…….. I am trying to stay more to the North in the Preserve.
April 21, 2020 — 10:30 am
Gary Wietgrefe says:
Amazing hikes! Thanks for the beauty.
April 22, 2020 — 6:38 am
Gayle says:
Wanted to let you know we were out at McDowell visiting our camp host friends yesterday late afternoon and were able to get out after the gates closed. You have to pull right up to it before it opens, though. They said in theory day users cars will be ticketed after closing, but in reality, nobody is checking, We finally got out to the Ballantine trail last week. What a beautiful area!
April 24, 2020 — 8:25 am
Kevin says:
Hi Gayle – thanks for the info! It’s good to know that I’ll be able to get out after 6:00 pm.
April 27, 2020 — 8:56 pm