Sonoran Desert west of the Tortolita Mountains
- jrbs87
- Feb 27
- 1 min read
The land between the Tortolita Mountains and the Santa Cruz river valley is notably classified as a classic example of the Lower Sonoran Life Zone. Well known to those who have visited or live in south central Arizona, the Saguaro Cactus is only found in the lower Sonoran desert.
In the foothills of the tortolitas is a series for 6 peaks called Owl Head Buttes. Their name is, it is said, derived from the Apache words Chew- Toot-A -Maw. In the 1880s, the area became a focus for mineral exploration, primarily due to the discovery of numerous veins of white quartz. Most interestingly, in 1892 Tom Jeffords , former Indian agent and blood brothers to Cochise,Chief of the Chiricahua Apaches, moved to the Owl Head and begin prospecting. Jeffords lived there for 22 years. He died Feb 19,1914 and is buried in Tucson's Evergreen Cemetery. His amazing story can be found on teamwoodall.com and wikipedia.
Looking northwest, you can see Pichaco Peak, the site of the only civil war battle fought in Arizona.
And then there is always the occasion Redtail hawk looking for lunch.
The daily walk in the Sonoran Desert is good for the body, good for the mind and good for the spirit. Till next time.
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