DESERT FLOWERS

One of the joys of hiking in the desert, especially in April - early June, is the possibility of coming across the incongruity of the desert in bloom.  Of course the density and timing of the flowering depends critically on rain, and, to a much lesser extent, on runoff.  But usually late April is a good time to start looking for cactus wildflower blooms. 

Ref.  Ulrich, L, "Wildflowers of the Plateau and Canyon Country," Companion Press, 1996.