Ajo Mountain Drive
A one-way dirt scenic loop of about 34 km through the foothills where organ pipe cacti are densest, the most classic self-drive experience in the national monument.
The Ajo Mountain Drive starts across from the visitor center and loops east around the foot of Ajo Mountain before returning, about 34 km in total. The road is mostly graded dirt that ordinary cars can handle. Driving it takes about 2 hours, but stopping at the trails takes half a day. Along the way you will see dense stands of organ pipe cacti, saguaros and jumping cholla, colorful cliffs, and numbered pullouts with interpretive signs. Trails such as Arch Canyon and the Bull Pasture Trail lie along the loop. The route is one-way, so exit before sunset. There is no fuel and no drinking water along the way.
Opening hours
Approx. sunrise to sunset (check NPS announcements)
Nearby sights
- Estes Canyon & Bull Pasture Trail
- Arch Canyon Trail
- Kris Eggle Visitor Center
- Twin Peaks Campground & Desert View Trail
- North Puerto Blanco Drive
- Victoria Mine Trail
- Quitobaquito Springs
- New Cornelia Mine Lookout