Golden Torch, Velvet Cactus, or Goldenspined Cereus (Bergerocactus emoryi)

These Golden Torch or Velvet Cactus were photographed on the Baja Penninsula near the steep sandy slope of a gully, a few miles inland along the Baja off-road race route. This colony did look soft and velvety as the dense golden spines shined in the morning sunlight.
Golden torch used to be found in many places in San Diego County but are becoming rare due to habitat loss and private harvesting.