Ajo Mountain Drive

The Desert View loop trail begins in the Twin Peaks Campground's group camping area. Hike it in either direction, but be sure to get to the top before the sun goes down.The trail is a gentle climb through a diverse cactus forest. Birds abound, and keep an eye out for the occasional lizard, snake and coyote. Once at the top the trail follows the ridge, providing plenty of spots to catch the sun ...

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 campground is full you are not out of luck, there is ample boondocking available just outside ...

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 parking for a handful of cars. Sign the trail register and start to make your way across the desert...

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 picnic area. Start this hike in the morning to beat the afternoon heat, and bring twice the water you...

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 sightings in the area. Alamo Canyon is accessed by driving 12.3 miles south from the town of Why ...

Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) is home to the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of our sun. With 26 telescopes on the premises and partnerships with world-leading institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, and Yale University just to name a few, it is...