Victoria Mine Trail

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 ...

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...

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 requiring a high-clearance vehicle. Trail Highlights Duration: 2-3 hours (with stops) Road Typ...

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...

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-mile Ajo Mountain Drive loop would be our best option, as our car was not suitable for the longer...