But the only secluded shady spots in the desert are often right next to a cholla cactus, so contact is inevitable! But even worse was the array of dislodged pads on or in the ground already ...

But the 10-mile Cactus Forest Trail is a flat and easy day hike, and in early spring, you'll see a riot of desert wildflowers ...

Botanist Gustaf Starck rallied people passionate about preserving desert plants with a sign outside his Scottsdale ranch. “Save the Desert,” it said.