Adventures in the Sonoran Desert
Bridal Wreath Falls
27Mar2010 Filed under: Rincons Author: desertlavenderAnother glorious Friday morning escape with co-conspirator Ann H. — this time to check out the flow at Bridal Wreath Falls. We followed the Douglas Spring Trail into the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, climbing quickly to great views of Tanque Verde and the Tucson valley. We dropped into a wash and were surprised to find a small stream bubbling with emerald-green algae. Cottonwoods stood in stark contrast to the high desert scrub, soaking their toes in the icy water. After crossing the stream, the trail climbs into a wide basin with the snow-capped summits of the Rincons for a backdrop.
We took the short spur to Bridal Wreath Falls and were handsomely rewarded for a little extra effort. While there are still signs of the fires that swept through this area in 2004 to 2008, this year’s extraordinary winter rains have turned the basin into a lush green pasture.
Spring … and love … have returned to the desert. If you don’t believe it, ask the Pinacate Beetles!
About Desert Lavender
After more than 40 years of wandering in the forest, I finally found my way to the desert.
I came looking for sand dunes and desolation, and found a lush green landscape of stunning variety and vigor. This isn't a desert, it's a garden!
I've spent the past 10 years hiking and camping in the Sonoran Desert, from the Seri Coast and Reserva de la Biosfera Pinacate in Mexico to the summits of Tucson's Catalina Mountains. Along the way I stopped to take photos and write about the natural and cultural history of area. I hope that sharing my love of the desert will inspire others to help protect what's left of this 120,000-square-mile international desert garden.
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