Skywatch Friday: What is a Riparian Area?

 A few days ago we went in search of the Salt River wild horses again.  This time we started at the Phon D. Sutton Recreation area in the Tonto National Forest.


The trail we chose was the Salt River Nature Trail Loop.  We were hoping it would take us down by the river where the horses would be getting a drink.  That wasn't the case, but it's always fun to explore new trails.


The informational signs at the trail head referred to this as a Riparian Area.  What is a riparian area you might be asking?  Well, it's an area along a natural watercourse that is distinctly different that the surrounding area.  Riparian areas account for less than 1% of the land area in the western U.S.  The vegetation and soil are distinctly different than the surrounding area.  Riparian areas provide a habitat for many endangered or threatened critters in the western desert areas.


This was a great example.  The riverbanks were deep with lush vegetation that was taller than I am and it was too thick to walk through to access the water.  Walk a few steps away and you're once again in the arid desert.  Fascinating!


The mountains in the distance framed by the desert is so beautiful.


I bet the trees that line the riverbank are especially beautiful when the colors change in the fall.  I loved the light reflection off that big red rock.


We walked through an area that had been burned out.


Finally we went around a bend that got us somewhat closer to the water.


This fence paralleled the trail.  We wondered what it's purpose it--keep the horses in maybe?  We finally decided it was to keep mountain bikers and motorized vehicles out of this area.  

The trail was a loop and we had to climb this fence to continue along the loop.  We would have completely missed the turn off it we weren't using AllTrails to navigate.  The trails in this area are not marked so you better have an idea of where you are and where you want to go.


Look at that saguaro with all those arms.  I wonder how old it is.


We walked past several of this bushes with blooms that were literally buzzing.  The bees were busy collecting nectar.  Can you see the bee?

Our hike was about 4.25 miles.  Still no horse sightings.  Maybe next time.


Comments

Light and Voices said…
Greetings and Salutations! mmmm, no horses. Yes, maybe next time. Good luck with the search and the trails are absolutely beautiful. Enjoy!
January 28, 2022 at 4:19 PM
Yogi♪♪♪ said…
It looks like a great hike!!
January 29, 2022 at 12:49 PM
Spare Parts and Pics said…
Riparian areas in the desert are so rare and beautiful!
January 29, 2022 at 4:38 PM
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