There is a very short window for spring in Tucson. This week is in the 80Fs already and it is only March 9th. That means it will be too hot (for me anyway) to be hiking at the end of the month. So the hubby and I are out as much as possible right now. Soon there will be rattlesnakes 🐍 and scorpions 🦂 out and about too!

We set out to hike Soldier Trail on nearby Mt. Lemmon. The out and back trail is just under 6 miles, but has some hefty elevation gains. It was rated difficult with an 1800 ft. climb. Eventually, it does crest! And, that is where we recorded our evidence of spring in the desert 🌵

New growth on this prickly guy!

And at the tips of this spiky plant!

As with Sabino Canyon we found water flowing in Soldier Canyon! Look at that green color near the top of the steam, leading to a series of pools. That color won’t last long.

 

The canyon itself is quite deep, and plants grow in any crevice they can find. This one is hanging off the edge.

We went on our way and saw many examples of foliage that, somehow, thrives in this harsh environment.

 

Here is an old, craggy life form, hitting a modified tree pose now 😜

We are heading back to Sabino Canyon this weekend, to the Seven Falls Trail! Hoping to find some bigger waterfalls before they dry up for the season 🤞💕