Saguaros stand tall in the desert flats near the start of the Table Top Trail. Table Top Mountain, the highest point in the Table Top Wilderness, can be seen behind the Ocotillo at the far right of this photo.
The top of Table Top Mountain looming above the desert floor is the destination of this hike.
The arm of a Saguaro Cactus (Cereus giganteus) load with buds and flowers.
Saguaro Cactus flower.
Flower buds cover the top of an arm of a Saguaro Cactus.
At the tip of a long spiny cane the bright red Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) flower stands out against the blue sky.
The Table Top Trail skirts the basaltic slopes of this unnamed hill.
Trail sign at the wilderness boundary.
The death of a Saguaro. This Saguaro is infected with Bacterial Necrosis which causes the cactus to turn brown and ooze a black gooey substance.
Bacterial necrosis is thought to be caused by a species Erwinia bacteria which infects a cactus weakened by frost damage, heat stress or other wounds and openings.
A closeup of the black gooey substance oozing out of the cactus. The trunk of the cactus was covered with this tar-like goo.
Another closeup of the black oozing goo. Although not visible in this picture, a few small white nematode-like worms, perhaps 1/4 of an inch long, were swimming around in this goo.
The goo was forming long black gooey strands. The outside of the strands were "skinned" over and quite rubbery.
Another look at the gooey strands.
The black goo oozing from the cactus was flowing down the trunk and pooling on the ground
Well, not only was the goo pooling, but it was practically forming a river of goo.
Little Table Top Mountain (on the left left) rises to an elevation of 3097 feet above sea level as seen from this southerly view from the Table Top Trail.
The Table Top Trail starts to make a gradual climb on it's northeastward march toward the base of Table Top Mountain. It is about a 2000 feet climb to the top.
A saguaro framed view looking back to the south east over the hills of the Table Top Mountains. The trail has started to climb more earnestly now.
A basalt rock fall on the slope of Table Top Mountain.
A prominent basalt rock outcropping begins to emerge over a ridge.
The fruit of the Banana Yucca (Yucca baccata).
Dried flowers and fruit of the Banana Yucca (Yucca baccata).
The stalk of this Banana Yucca is load with fruit.
Paperflower (Psilostrophe cooperi) became abundant near the top of Table Top Mountain.
Paperflower, also known as paperdaisy, growing among the volcanic rocks on Table Top Mountain.
Unknown buliders constructed an impressive rock wall near the top of Table Top Mountain.
The dry rocky slopes near the top of the mountain were dotted with prickly pear, banana yucca, and ocotillo.
The dry rocky slopes near the top of the mountain were dotted with prickly pear, banana yucca, and ocotillo.
The yellow mound of Paperflower (Psilostrophe cooperi) contrasts nicely with the black basalt rock on top of Table Top Mountain.
On the way back down, looking over the rock wall to the deserts beyond. Little Table Top Mountain is in the center.
Another view along the rock wall.
Bare, thorny Ocotillo canes sporting red tips of flowers in this view overlooking the desert below.
Buckhorn Cholla (Opuntia acanthocarpa) in bloom.
Interesting details of the Buckhorn Cholla (Opuntia acanthocarpa) flower.