Desert View Trail

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 ...

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...

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...

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 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 ...