Hiking to Bridal Wreath Falls

The day after the Sky Island ride, I joined a group of hikers at the Douglas Springs trail head on the far east side of Tucson, part of Saguaro East National Park.  The pace was promoted as being medium slow so I knew what to expect and that would be ok after the previous day's ride.

Early on our 3.5 mile hike to the falls, we passed this saguaro in bloom. 

We began rising above the valley.  Since Tucson is surrounded by 4 major mountain ranges and a number of smaller, I'd be hard pressed to think of a hike that does not require an ascent.

The Ocotillo have gained their green petals and it won't be long before red flowers adorn the ends of these whip like canes.

OK, so the pace got to me after awhile and I took off, arriving at the falls where there were only two other hikers.  Prior to the start of the hike dozens of people had entered the trail system and I assumed most had this as their destination but nope.

The flow of water was small but still a pretty spot.  I climbed above the falls via a faint trail on the left side and above.....

….there were some flowers in bloom as I....

….sat in the shade, ate, drank and watched for a sign of my hiking companions.  They soon arrived and rested at the foot of the falls.  I explored some more....

...found some more flowers, climbed down and rejoined the group

After a short break, we began the return.....

…...passing this barrel cactus, among many others, also blooming.  The fall in AZ is spectacular.