Different terrain

Today was an easier day - while Harley was being groomed we took a hike on the other side of the road away from the cliffs and spires, an area where there are dry creeks, and other out washes, relatively flat somewhat grown up in juniper and a variety of other bushes.

And there on the trail was the first snake we've seen in all of our trips to the Southwest - unlike Florida where we have seen many.

 Look Ma, no rattles.  That's the first thing to check. Out here that keeps it pretty simple. 

 About 3 feet long, not a husky snake.

Fairly distinctive eye marking and round pupil



Based on quick internet checking - it is a glossy snake of which there are sub species not all pictured.  It definitely did not have a rattle so we were not worried, but still gave it some breathing room.    
We left it more or less alone - though I did get it's consent to posting here and on Face Book.  Quite pretty, looks like it may have shed recently.

All around us, depending on direction faced and mild changes in elevation there was a ton of amazing views.

At the beginning, Doe mtn in the distance - later we got a lot closer.

 A small boulder with volcanic origins in a dry creek bed

 Closeup of a stone on its side

 Hikers on top of Doe mountain which is actually a mesa.