Reader Steve Packard wrote in a recent e-mail:  "I am planning a photography trip to Grand Junction, and one of the things I want to do is photograph cactus blooming on the No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail. Would you recommend the last weekend in May or the first in June? Any other locations for photography? I will of course be exploring the rest of the monument but would appreciate any specific locations."

Funny you should ask, Steve. I was in No Thoroughfare Canyon this past Tuesday (April 28).  The cactus are not blooming yet, although the Cottonwoods are bursting out of their buds, the Indian Paintbrush and bright orange mallow are showing signs of spring, and the water is flowing nicely. 

Cactus were already in full bloom in this canyon by the end of April in 2007. That seemed a little early.  Nonetheless, Steve, I'd get here sooner rather than later, so that last weekend in May would be a little better.

All the canyons in the Colorado National Monument are great for photography this time of year, especially in the early morning when the soft light of sunrise hits those golden yellow and burnt red canyon walls.  For cactus, I'd suggest the Wildwood Trailhead that leads to Ute Canyon, Corkscrew Trail and Liberty Cap Trail.  At the base of all three trails is a great place to find blooming cactus.

But your first choice, No Thoroughfare, is also a great choice.  To reach this trailhead, travel through Grand Junction on Grand Avenue over the Colorado River as it turns into Broadway.  Turn left at Monument Road (across the street from Albertson's) and stay on that into the Colorado National Monument.  About two-tenths of a mile past the entrance, you'll find a parking lot on the left hand (south)side of the road.  The trailhead is located at the south end of this parking lot. 

There's much more than beautiful cactus in this canyon.  The extremely rare Canyon Treefrog lives here.  While it ranges from southwestern U.S. through Central Mexico, in Colorado it's found only along the south rim of the Colorado River valley west of Grand Junction, and in John Brown Canyon west of here along the Dolores River.

Best times to hear them and see them are in the cool spring evenings, just before sunset. That's also another great time to be out with a camera because the lighting is fantastic in the canyons. These frogs don't really live in the trees, they live in the mud. They sound like giant bullfrogs, which is weird, since they're about the size of a quarter.  

We'll talk about other critters and other hikes in future blogs.  To all you folks like Steve who have written, I never expected such a response. Thanks, and be patient.  I'll send you a personal e-mail and answer as many questions as possible.

Happy Trails.