The Sonoran Desert, one of the most diverse biomes in the world, has plenty of interesting things to learn about. Here are just a few fun facts:
- The Sonoran Desert is over 100,000 square miles, much of it lying in Mexico, California and Arizona.
- The Sonoran Desert is the hottest desert in North America, but it is also the most diverse.
- More than 60 species of mammals, 350 kinds of birds, 20 amphibians and over 2000 species of plant life live in the Sonoran Desert. Many of these plants and animals have developed unique ways to survive, such as:
- Mesquite trees have roots that can grow down up to 100 feet to find moist soil.
- Some desert plants will die completely above ground, but still survive underneath the soil.
- Roadrunners can run up to 25 miles per hour and actually expend less energy running than flying, allowing them to conserve water and energy.
- Kangaroo rats can survive their entire lives without drinking a drop of water. The water they do get from seeds or insects is recycled in the body. Their nasal passages actually cool their breath, condensing the moisture into water droplets that are reabsorbed into their body.
- The Sonoran Desert stays quite dry since the high temperatures tend to evaporate what little rainfall comes. This can be attributed to something called “horse latitude,” created when warm, wet air near the equator rises, cools and drops in higher altitudes, preventing moisture from reaching the area.
- The dry climate can also be attributed to something called a double rain shadow. This is when air moving up mountain slopes expands and cools, causing clouds to form and moisture to fall out as rain or snow. By the time the air descends the slopes, it has been drained of moisture, causing lands downwind of mountain ranges to be quite dry.
If you are looking for good Sonoran desert trails to hike or ride on horseback, I recommend these:
Hiking Camelback Mountain
One of the most popular hiking destinations in Phoenix is Camelback Mountain. With an elevation of 2,704 feet and two different trails to choose from, this mountain offers spectacular views for Arizona natives and tourists alike.
The two hiking trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, are quite different in terms of the type of hike, yet are both considered to be difficult. The following is some information on both trails to help you decide which trail will be best for you:
Echo Canyon Trail
This trail is shorter, but much steeper, than the Cholla trail. It spans about 1.2 miles and ascends from 1,424 feet above sea level to 2,704 feet. This can be a somewhat crowded hike, especially on the weekends.
This trail starts out with small rocks and railroad ties for the first 3/8 mile, then comes the rail section of the trail. Rails and fencing have been built into this trail as it is incredibly steep to climb. After passing the rail section of the trail there is about 200 feet of low-intensity hiking until you reach the second rail section. Once you are past the last rail section, the Echo Canyon trail consists of a somewhat steep climb on large rocks for approximately.7 mile.
Cholla Trail
The Cholla trail is a longer, more winding hike than Echo Canyon. It spans approximately 1.6 miles and ascends about 1,300 feet. This trail is typically much less crowded than the Echo Canyon trail, but still offers incredible views of the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas.
The first 1.2 miles of the trail are only moderately difficult and most similar to traditional trail hiking. Once you reach “the saddle” part of the trail, however, the hike becomes much more difficult, and includes more climbing. One of the greatest benefits of this hike is that you are more likely to see some wildlife, including Chuckwallas, rattlesnakes and Harris antelope squirrels.
If you’re looking to explore everything the Sonoran Desert has to offer, let Spur Cross Stables show you the way. Our guided horseback rides of full of interesting tips about our unique desert environment. For more information on our guided horseback rides, call us today at 800-875-4614 or visit [http://www.horsebackarizona.com].
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