Short-horned lizards….they are not toads…. primarily use cryptic behavior and coloration as a defense against predation. When discovered, they may flee for cover or stand their ground. They will readily inflate their lungs to appear larger or more difficult for a predator to swallow. In some cases, they will eject blood from their orbital sinus (the corner of the eye), effectively squirting blood at a predator. This has proven a good defense against Canids…coyotes, foxes and dogs. Apparently, it leaves a bad taste and even if the lizard dies the Canid will probably not attack another Short-horned Lizard. Cropped and enlarged cell phone image
Dirt bikes are allowed on a few sections of the Colorado Trail. They dig up the trail and loosen rocks which makes it very difficult to hike. I fell once in this section. It would be best to have separate trails. One for the dirt bikes and one for the hikers.
I had to ford this stream that was swollen by heavy recent rains. A young woman named Charlie on the other side showed me where to cross and then crossed over, gently took hold of my arm and talked and guided me across.