Ajo

Twin Peaks is the primary campground at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, minutes from the Mexican border in southern Arizona. This campground has it all: it's affordable, it's in the middle of a beautiful and remote desert, and it's surrounded by hiking. Twin Peaks is first come first served. If...

The Victoria Mine Trail is a gentle traverse of the Sonoran Desert landscape. Any time of year, but especially in summer, be sure to bring plentiful water and sun protection, as there is no shade or respite on this route. Start at the southern end of Twin Peaks Campground, where there is trailhead p...

The trailhead for Estes Canyon/Bull Pasture is on the Ajo Mountain Road scenic loop. Ajo Mountain Road is a dirt, windy, sometimes steep, one way road. It is maintained so that a passenger car can drive it using caution. The trailhead has parking for two dozen cars, bathrooms, and a small shaded pic...

The Alamo Canyon campground is the closest campsite to the northern entrance of Organ Pipe National Monument, but this monument near Ajo, Arizona remains only lightly trafficked. Organ Pipe cacti dominate the landscape, but hikers and campers can enjoy a variety of lizards, birds and other wildlife ...

In mid-November, my daughter and I drove south from Ajo, Arizona, on Highway 85 to have what was planned as an introductory look at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Upon arrival, we checked in with the ranger at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, bought our permits, and learned that driving the 21-m...

Discover the breathtaking Ajo Mountain Drive , a 21-mile scenic loop road winding through the heart of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Ajo, Arizona. This unpaved yet well-maintained graded dirt road offers visitors an intimate encounter with the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape without req...