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A couple of days ago one of my hiking buddies and I headed off to Saguaro Lake. Saguaro is the westernmost of three lakes along the Salt River as it flows from Roosevelt Lake and dam.
There were about a million other people who had the same idea we had on this holiday weekend Friday, but we were able to find parking in the overflow lot. Most of the others were at the public beach at one end of the lake. Our goal was a brisk hike followed by a dip in a more secluded spot.
The trail winds around to the east and south, going around several small bays. It was a glorious day – blue sky, light breeze and not too hot. Well, pretty hot, actually, but being near the water made it seem cooler. There are many trees giving shade where the path is near the water. Several times the path climbs, giving spectacular views of the lake.
As you can see, there were quite a few boats on the lake which made it less peaceful than it might otherwise have been. Big cruisers with their Mercury engines hanging off the back dodged the noisy jet skis that buzzed around like annoying gnats.
Because it is late spring there were quite a few shrubs and trees still blooming. If anyone can identify these I’d be thrilled – I haven’t been able to sort them out.
It was much quieter when we got to the far end of the lake, where we were able to walk down to the water’s edge. Passing speedboats made waves reminiscent of a small sea which washed over our feet as we dabbled them in the water. Hiking buddy bravely went in for a swim – it looked so relaxing, but I had forgotten my suit and didn’t feel like stripping with so many boats around.
Much refreshed we headed back towards the beach and our car. It was uneventful until we heard the unmistakable rattle of a snake.
That’s right – a small western diamondback rattlesnake! Fortunately he gave us plenty of warning, and while he was obviously poised to strike, we gave him a wide enough berth that he didn’t bother. Arizona is famous for rattlesnakes, but this is only the second one I’ve seen on my many hikes in the desert. They probably want to see us as little as we want to see them.
Water and wildflowers – two things you don’t necessarily associate with Arizona, but we were able to enjoy both in large measure on Friday!
An Ex-Expatriate 
Our first night in Arizona was also the first time we saw a rattlesnake, same as yours, a Western Diamondback. A passing neighbor had spotted it and stopped to give us warning. He tarried a while, long enough to give us run down. That small rattlesnake you encountered is, as he told us, far more dangerous than larger ones. When small ones strike, they have not yet learned to husband their venom, so they give you all they’ve got. Wide birth, indeed.
But have you seen many since? We had one come and die in our driveway this year, but we just don’t see them with the regularity I thought we would.
Only two, one small like yours, also coiled, also given wide berth. The a Blacktail which had recently fed. That one did nothing but lie still.
Thanks!
Beautiful photos, as usual!