Desert Trekking

The valley of the Sun is a valley that is surrounded by mountains that have seen thousands of years of change from seas, rivers and now all that remains are the mountains, valleys, and formations: the skeletons that tell the ancient history since the basement of time evolving still etched away in the layers of rocks and dirt.

And along with the natural changes are the cultures of diversity of plants, wildlife, and humans. Now the valley hosts one of the largest cities in the USA with about six million people. Why on earth would anyone want to live in the valley where we had boasted some record breaking temperatures in the sweltering heat of the summers? But truly, I think any sane person would say, I stay because of the desert.

I had come to the valley in the Fall of 2003 for attendance to ASU program for music therapy. The desert did not have any particular draw to me. But as a sojourn once commented in a book about desert treks of solitude, the desert has magic and a draw for those who come for respite, to listen. If you live in the desert long enough, one may feel the pull, the power of the desert. It is strong for me and in the three and half years at ASU was enough. While I was in LA, I would have dreams about the desert. I have become a desert Gecko. And so begins a new chapter of life back into desertscape.

My newest venture is desert hiking. Even though Phoenix with the smaller communities of Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert and so on, it is rather easy to get to the natural world. Phoenix boasts the largest park within a city. South Mountain Park. I trek only a dent of the park as the park itself is approximately 17000 acres. Every Saturday I go making a two to four hour hiking venture.

The area I hike is about a 30 minute drive through stop and go traffic so rather close. I take some trails along the lower ridges that overlook the vast metropolis. This is looking at downtown Phoenix and the North part of Tempe and Scottsdale in the North expanse on the right side of the photo. This is more looking to West Valley of Phoenix. An area I do not frequent much. I live and hang out in the East valley. But as one continues to hike, one goes into the interior and sound ceases to exist from the city. At least for me. And a changing desert landscape exists. Saguaro cactus and Cholla cactus are the "trees" of the desert here. With the Saguaros towering over my head. The cholla cactus may look friendly and furry, but do not let their furriness deceive you. One learns quickly not to fool around with cactus. I had gotten some very sturdy hiking books in the area several years ago. Designed not only for desert terrain but also if I do have a careless mishap with a baby cactus my feet are protected. I have not had a mishap yet happy to say.


Do you see the green? With all of the rain the Southwest got during the December and beginning of January, the desert came to life; rejuvenated by the water. Including grass. It is a shocker for me actually to see grass here, especially this much. The grass has gotten so long in some areas some that it is long enough to mow?? And this cactus above is actually the size of a cantaloupe. I was on my knees and had the camera sitting on the ground.


The Saguaros are the trees of the desert. They are stark giants standing amid rocky seemingly desolate terrain. They have acclimatize well to the desert, but I often wonder on the impact of human population and pollution is having some effects on these Ents of the Southwest. Now a few know I have this tendency to hug trees. Yes, I am a tree hugger. Walk through a forest of oak, evergreen and such and will hug a tree for the pure joy of wrapping arms around a tree trunk. I would love to hug a Saguaro but as evidence shows, they are a bit wary of tree hugging people like me and developed these harsh, pointy defenses against such acts of love. They do not know what they are missing.
There is always more to see. Arizona does not lack in natural beauty.