Brown Mountain Ridgeline Hike

This is a very enjoyable and fun hike.  I've done it once before but clockwise so today I wanted to do it in the counter clockwise direction so I'd climb the mountain and subsequent ridgeline from the back side.  Brown Mountain is hardly imposing but the several ups and downs beyond what you see makes for a challenging hike.

An unusual sight, 3 barrel cactus and all producing fruit.  Not sure when the fruit is eatable.  I usually see the cactus growing as a single. 

Above is my route so the first half is a nice, rolling hike.

I'm not an expert but I suspect the future is dim for this saguaro.  Can't help but wonder how it became like this.  

On the left side of the trail I see this hump shaped cluster of debris.  There is an obvious entry/exit path and I wonder what has made a home here.  Clearly much of the mound has been created by dragging pieces of cactus, leaves, branches....maybe a Gila Monster?  No, I don't stick my hand or pole in and poke around to find out.

The first half of the hike ends at a picnic area and close by is the Desert Museum.  A must see for any visitors to the area. I take a short break and then head up.....

….where I top out at one peak and can see the trail before me which circumvents a higher peak.  Upon reaching that....

….it's a walk along the balance of the ridge and down to the desert floor. Finished with 5.8 miles and 900' of climbing.  Just a fun time to be outdoors, warm temperatures and brilliant sun.  The odd weather year continues with several approaching cold fronts that are dry but will bring wind and cooler temps that will keep me off the bike and on the hike.