For the 4th of July Erik and I went to Oliver Lee Memorial State Park in Alamogordo New Mexico. We found a really cool trail called Dog Canyon. It is a rigorous hike that rises over 3,100 feet in 5.5 miles. The trail cut up into the Sacramento Mountains and provided some amazing views into New Mexico and the Chihuahuan Desert. The trail has been used for thousands of years by the Apaches and ranchers becasue of the spring fed stream.

Not only were the views amazng but the hillsides were full of mequite, creosote, ocotillo, agave and prickly pear. Ocotillos are everywhere in the South West.

But.... I have to say that my favorite was this little desert flower.