CACTUS HILL
Text and Photos by Janice Tucker

Cactus Hill was discovered about 35 years ago by Elmer and Gussie Schooley while he was head of the Art Department at Las Vegas Highlands University. Located on Forest Service Land, Cactus Hill is about 55 miles south of Santa Fe near Bernal, New Mexico. Both Schooleys took a great interest in the plants, birds and natural history of New Mexico. In fact, Mr. Schooley's love for nature is reflected in his paintings which are often displayed at the Munson Gallery on Canyon Road

Ellen Wilde recently led a small group consisting of Pat Jahoda, Arabelle Luckhardt, Joan and Truel West, Helen Woody, and me on a day trip to Cactus Hill. After exiting the interstate at Bernal, and taking a right turn just past a small grocery store, we turned onto a dirt road that would take us to our destination. We were soon rewarded with an abundance of flowers and plants flourishing in an adjacent field. Huge spires of Yucca glauca blooms rose up from fields of yellow and white ragweed, Indian paintbrush, Jamesii and Ambiguus penstemon, germander, sundrops, yellow blanket flower, scarlet gaura, and cacti - lots of cacti.

After about 3 miles we arrived at THE Cactus Hill - a rocky semi-steep incline abundant with cacti, wildflowers and other native plants. "Botanical" was the language of choice. We saw plants rarely and/or never seen in Santa Fe, such as willowy delphinium in the meadows and five-point ferns tucked into rocky nooks and crannies.

The climb was slow due to the fairly steep incline, rocks, and cacti as well as the large cowpattus abundiflorus (cow patties) that dotted the ground! But, the leisurely pace allowed us to appreciate the multitude of wildflowers as well as the varieties and beautiful blooms of cacti: Green flowered; claret cup (growing in the shade of a juniper); and at least 2 species of pricklypear. The pricklypear blossoms ranged from solid yellow to rosy, to yellow with a red throat. Cholla and ball cacti were not in bloom yet.

Drifts of delicate pink Ambiguus penstemon and magenta Santa Fe phlox combined with Jamesii penstemon, germander, delphinium, baby aster to weave a carpet of subtle color. Electric blue flashed an announcement of spiderwort and silverleaf nightshade. The brilliant yellows of sundrops, wild chrysanthemum, ragweed and Navajo tea dazzled the landscape with reflections of the bright morning sun.

This was a nature photographer’s heaven. I was intrigued by Truel’s discovery of a bush morning glory. Since this was my first time to observe this lovely flower I wanted to get as near as possible for a close-up shot of the bloom. I perched on a rock that offered a good angle, being very careful to check where I sat. What I didn’t do was to check directly behind me – but, I soon found out. When I stood up, I felt a slight stick just below the waist. Cactus spines! Luckily Ellen brought tweezers (thank you Ellen!). Helen and Arabelle became even closer friends as they picked the spines off the back of my pants, shirt and other affected areas!

After descending the hill, we spent some time exploring the meadows on the opposite side of the road. Ellen says that even when the cacti have finished blooming, it’s still worth the trip to see the wildflowers. She is so right. It is worth the trip!

Directions from Old Pecos Trail & I-25, Santa Fe:

Take I-25 south for about 46 miles. Take Exit #330 at Bernal. Do not go under interstate. The road comes to a T intersection. Turn left. Shortly after turning left, there is a church and a grocery store (blue building). Turn right on the dirt road by the grocery store. Follow this dirt road about 3 miles to where you see Cactus Hill on the right. There is no sign. Park on the roadside, allowing room for vehicles to get past.

Four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles are a must. The road is not hilly or mountainous, but very rough and rutted. Be sure to leave Santa Fe with a full tank of gas. There was no evidence of a nearby gas station or road service, and even if you subscribe to a road service, you're in for a wait if you get stuck.

If You Go:

Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, a hat and heavy shoes. Apply sun block and insect repellent. Take extra insect repellent, plenty of water, a snack and TWEEZERS! It's a good idea to travel with close friends so they can come to your rescue in case a cactus attacks your pants with spines. Of course, a first aid kit should be readily available any time you're on the road, especially in an out of the way place.

Plants You Might See at Cactus Hill
Click for PDF List Prepared by Ellen Wilde

Find out more about how Santa Fe Botanical Garden celebrates, cultivates and preserves the rich botanical heritage and biodiversity of the region. Visit www.santafebotanicalgarden.org