Badger Springs Trail - Agua Fria National Monument

I stopped and visited Badger Springs at the Agua Fria National Monument while driving north to Cottonwood. Due to extreme drought I'm surprised there is water still flowing. But it is at the lowest level I have seen in the last 3 years. This is the most northern part of the Sonoran Desert along I-17 at 2,950 feet elevation. I'll be now working at the Walmart in Cottonwood.

The Agua Fria River

The Agua Fria River

 

California Kingsnake - Agua Fria National Monument

This is a California Kingsnake. The kingsnake has been found in deserts, riparian areas, woodlands, forests, and farmland from sea level to 7000 feet. Active in early morning and late afternoon when the weather is mild, the common kingsnake becomes nocturnal with the onset of extreme heat in summer.

It's always a great day when I see a snake. They are so challenging to photograph that I forget about my OCD and depression.  Unfortunately, they always try to get away from me so I pick them up for a photo, unless they are venomous.

Gopher Snake - Agua Fria National Monument

While hiking across the semi desert grasslands toward the Agua Fria Canyon I came across this beautiful gopher snake lying across the trail. It quickly moved but I caught it just as it attempted to hide in the grass. I picked it up and it got in the strike position but did not bite, then imitated a rattlesnake by flattening its head and vibrating its tail. But I knew it was a faker. I held it by its middle and it quickly calmed down as let it move along my arms and hands while photographing it with my camera phone. This snake is found in nearly every part of the state from elevations ranging from sea level to 9,000 feet. They are usually very docile. After getting some decent photos I let the snake go.

Agua Fria National Monument - Arizona

I spent two days exploring the Richinbar Mine ruins, Hohokam ruins, and petroglyphs in the Agua Fria National Monument. The first day I went in the evening, and the second day in the morning.

Richinbar Mine

The Richinbar Mine

Hohokam Ruins