The Santa Rita Mountains

Four Seasons in the Santa Ritas A SKY ISLAND PORTFOLIO

My introductory view of the Santa Rita Mountains was from the heights of the Chiricahuas in the southeast corner of the state. To the west, the Santa Ritas lay flanked by mesquiteand oak-studded grasslands. The range's highest peak, Mount Wrightson, rose regally on the east side of the Santa Cruz Valley to 9,453 feet. My first night on the Santa Ritas, I camped in the midst of a thunderstorm and enjoyed a brilliant lightning show, which lasted into the wee hours of the morning. Since then I've returned in all seasons to hike, stargaze, and explore the boundless photographic possibilities, each trip a fresh experience to be savored. Please sit a spell and enjoy.

SUMMER

(LEFT) A rainbow above Mount Wrightson augurs the end of a summer storm.

(ABOVE) Elephant Head rock sits on the west end of the Santa Ritas beneath a stormy sunset.

FALL

(ABOVE) Autumn brings its colorful touch to Arizona white oak, sycamore, and willow trees in lower Madera Canyon. (RIGHT) The Super Trail offers a view of the western face of rugged Mount Wrightson.

WINTER

(FOLLOWING PANEL, PAGES 28 AND 29) Winter's light caress leaves a dusting of snow on the Santa Rita slopes south of Tucson.

SPRING

(ABOVE) Desert mariposa blossoms welcome a spring morning on a grassy slope below Madera Canyon. (RIGHT) Mimosa flowers share the foothills below Florida Saddle with a stand of blooming ocotillos.