Deserts are amazing places, filled with life, once you know what to look for. I took these photos yesterday in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southern California. The weather is nice this time of year, in the 80’s or so. The hike to Palm Oasis was about 1.5 miles up a ravine, easy enough now with just a little rock scrambling. In summer though, the same hike could be life-threatening as temperatures can easily hit 110. A sign at the trailhead advises one gallon of water per person, and signs after that warn to watch out for mountain lions and rattlers.
Deserts have a strange and wonderful beauty even if they are not even slightly forgiving of mistakes. In the spring, after the rains come, they can explode with blooming flowers. What looked empty and barren suddenly is filled with color.