Something pupating from ocotillo buds?
Crucifixion Thorn. Large, woody, with thick long spiky branches, Grows to about 10 feet tall, spikes near nine inches long w/white tips. [Creosote plant in front, in first photo]. In third photo you can see clusters of seed pods. Found in low portions of desert, not necessarily in arroyos.
There are a few struggling away from the wash and a quite large plant near Gunsight wash.
Having looked a bit more closely at the fruits I realized it is not Canotia but rather Castela