Please note that the Museum will be closing at noon on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 for a staff appreciation event. (Art Institute classes are not affected by the closure.)

Lower Colorado Valley floors are usually monotonous, but nearly every canyon and bajada is different. This rocky canyon in the Eagle Mountains near Hayfield Dry Lake has a nearly impenetrable forest of teddy bear cholla and barrel cactus. Adjacent canyons had few of either species. We can't explain these small-scale plant distributions.

     You don't have to travel long distances to find such spectacular sights; this spot is less than 5 miles from Interstate 10.


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