Backyard and Backcountry: The Golden Hour at Gateway Loop

As I wrap up my time out in Arizona for grad school I'm spending more and more time thinking about what it is I'll miss most. While the people at school and experiences of the southwest are at the top of the list, I would be lying if I didn't include the Saguaros. If you aren't familiar with the Giant Saguaro, think of the scene that first comes to mind when you think of Arizona: a colorful sunset over the mountains punctuated by tall cactus with goofy arms reaching for the sky. Saguaros are found only in the Sonoran Desert, which spans from northern Mexico up into Central Arizona.

Giant Saguaros

Saguaros are incredible plants. They can grow up to 50 feet tall and have as many as 25 arms! These gigantic cacti begin life as small seeds inside red fruits. Saguaro blooms occur in June and are the state flower of Arizona. The cacti are also incredibly slow growing, taking nearly 100 years to begin growing arms. Saguaros can live for over 200 years, beginning to produce fruit and flowers after 35 years.

Saguaro Bloom in Saguaro National Park

A Pyrrhuloxia perched on some Saguaro blooms

I spent the golden hour this evening hiking the Gateway Loop, a 4.5 mile loop with 650 feet of elevation gain. Located within the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the trail provides excellent views of the adjacent McDowell Mountains and great opportunities to see desert plants and wildlife.