the wandeirng chick
...The Apache Wash Bike Path
biking in the Sonoran Preserve, Phoenix

For anyone interested in an easy paved biking path through the Sonoran Desert, the Apache Wash Trail system should be considered.

On a beautiful spring morning, a friend and I took to the path as it meandered past desert flowers, saguaros and fields of cholla. Dotted in every direction with patches of yellow, we were stopping every few feet for pictures, drawing out an eight-mile ride for more than three hours. We couldn't help it. Spring was in the air.

The Apache Wash Trail is more than just the bike path. It's a system of trails for hikers, bikers (including mountain bikers) and equestrians.

Located north of Phoenix, off Highway 17, exit Dove Valley Road east.

the desert floor
For as far as the eye can see, various yellow shrubs and flowers decorate the desert floor.
cholla limb closeup
the bike path
There's something very appealing about dead cholla limbs. Unique and pretty in their own right, against a blue sky, they're quite picturesque...
At the time of this writing, the Apache Wash bike trail was relatively new...therefore clean and crack-free.
dead cholla limb
dead cholla limb
...and unless you've taken a picture of one from every angle, well, you've done it an injustice!
live jumping cholla, closeup
The live chollas are pretty interesting, too, but one may not want to get as close to it.
the desert floor
yellow blossoms closeup
saguaro cactus
We all know every saguaro is different, but this particular one was one of the most unique either of us had ever seen. We stood for quite a while marveling as its shape. I see a man carrying his child on his head, a look of alarm on his face.
unique saguaro
dead saguaro arm
hedgehog in bloom
desert as night approaches
saguaro closeup
saguaro in sunset
Even though the mighty saguaro may look old and wrinkled, new life still abounds. As seen in the photo below, however, many succumb to disease or too many years of harsh weather.
saguaro in sunset
The colorful display of hedgehog is always a sure sign of spring.

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