The early spring months in the desert bring marvelous displays of wildflowers in years when we receive well-timed rains. And if you are a hiker, the months of February and March offer pleasant temperatures and a magical landscape. But by late April the weather is usually too hot for hiking, and you have to be a bit more careful about surprising a venomous creature, especially when you are walking off-trail. However, late April is when the cactus start to bloom, and if you find a relatively cool day, a hike in the Sonoran will present you with a magical forest of flowers. The prickly pear cactus buds are starting to open; the cholla cactus are beginning to offer up their deep colors; the hedgehog cactus is at the end of its flowering period, but the late bloomers are still around; and the saguaro are starting to give indications of their soon-to-come flowering period. Thousands of bees and other insects are swimming around in the pollen-covered centers of the flowers, and the birds are providing inspiring background music. The trails are quiet, the skies are clear, the light is fantastic, and with plenty of water and a good hat, the hiking is wonderful.
I hope you enjoy this set of cactus flowers. Each flower has its own unique personality, and perhaps they will inspire some creative ideas as you consider the miracle that brings these brief displays of color, pattern, and form out of a less-than-welcoming environment, transforming the landscape for the enjoyment of those who venture into the hot, dry, rocky terrain.
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