The first spiny lizard pictured here was one of the most colorful S. magister I've ever seen. Unfortunately, it got spooked and ran into a crevice after a couple of long-distance photos. I didn't see any other beautiful large adults like that one, but I did see several youngsters like the one in the second photo.

From a little before dusk until a couple of hours afterwards, I joined Arizona herp expert Roger Repp and another couple on a herp hike in this beautiful area. We didn't find any of the rarer species we were hoping for, but we saw many a fine lizard, including this youngster.

This large and colorful individual was one of many we saw scrambling about in the desert landscaping of this hotel. Since the hotel irrigates its grounds, it is a resort destination not just for human visitors but for all sorts of local wildlife as well, including dozens and dozens of desert cottontail rabbits.

This fat and happy spiny lizard had taken up residence a few feet from the front entrance to the Organ Pipe National Monument visitors center.