Joshua Tree Hiking: Chollas and More Hikes

After hiking Mt. Ryan, we went checked out some chollas, which are cacti and are not to be confused with heavy-on-the-eyeliner, light-on-the-eyebrows Latina gangsters.  The chollas are found in the Colorado Desert, which is also a part of Joshua Tree National Park.

 Dude, these cacti do NOT play!  It was hard getting the sucker off Ayk's shoe.

Three cheers for happy cactus guy!

Lean like a chola ... towards the sun.

We did a few more short hikes before leaving Joshua Tree for the Grand Canyon.

It may not be Arches National Park, but it'll do.

Joshua Tree: Mt. Ryan

Saturday morning we were so overcome with joy that we weren't eaten by coyotes that we went hiking on Mt Ryan.  We were moved – both figuratively and literally.  The view at the top was so beautiful, but it was so windy that I left like I was going to be knocked over.  We sought shelter from a large yucca plant.

In case you forgot we were in a desert. 

In case you forgot we were in Joshua Tree. 

In case you thought the desert was lifeless. 

In case coyotes weren't terrifying enough: a dozen snakes/ scorpions/ scary critters' homes on the trail.

Seeking shelter from the wind before retreating to the large yucca plant in the background.

In case you didn't think we made it to the top.