Cactus Walk

(nr Deming NM)
While at Rockhound State Park outside of Deming, I decided to take a hike up the hill behind my rig. It turned out to be a walk through a maze of cacti. What was I thinking?!

Cactus and tree on hill

Cactus walk prickly pears

I knew there was a trail along the face of the Little Florida Mountains behind my camp. Rather than going to the trailhead, I just struck out going directly up the hill. I soon found myself surrounded by the prickly pears.

Prickly pear field

Cactus everywhere

Close up of cactus and thorns

Cactus in my face and underfoot

There was no escaping, as they were everywhere. A glance across the hillside showed them as far as the eye could see. But, I managed to find a path between them. A single barrel cactus had some buds atop.

Flowers on top of cactus

Barrel cactus buds

RV campground

Tardis below in the camp

Once I reached the trail, I looked back down the hill at Tardis. Notice the field of cacti I had to traverse. As you can see, my campsite was away from the crowd. And, that’s just how I like it.

Cactus on hillside with cliffs

Little Florida Mountains late evening

I finished the hike, and arrived back at my rig just before sunset. Most of the clumps you see, from the foreground to the rock outcroppings, are prickly pears. It was a sticky situation; but, I enjoyed the hike anyway.

Camp: Rockhound SP – Dry camp loop
Scene: Cactus, rocks, cliff, trail

6 Responses to Cactus Walk

  1. Barney Ward December 13, 2014 at 2:57 pm #

    The other trail that leaves that trail you took and winds around down to the visitor center is pretty interesting also. Spring Canyon SP nearby has a couple of trails that are worth the hiking also.

    • Pleinguy December 13, 2014 at 3:00 pm #

      You are so correct Barney. I did both of those trails last year. Spring Canyon is a really pretty day trip.

  2. Martha December 13, 2014 at 7:43 pm #

    I would hate to be surrounded by cactus – did you get through it without getting stuck by the thorns?

    • Pleinguy December 13, 2014 at 7:59 pm #

      I was only surrounded because I took that shortcut. Being very careful allowed me to avoid getting stuck by any thorns. It was quite an adventure!

  3. Dragonfly December 15, 2014 at 6:41 am #

    This adventure of yours is one I may want to enjoy from a wider trail.

    • Pleinguy December 15, 2014 at 11:30 am #

      For sure the designated trail was less stressful. Hope you have the opportunity soon.

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