Organ Pipe National Monument
Located at the US southern border in Arizona, this unique park is one of the only places Organ Pipe Cacti can be found growing naturally.
Twin Peaks Campground
Immediately after entering the park we head to the Twin Peaks Campground to find our spot. After setting up, we take a walk around the campground to stretch our legs and get some photos of the Organ Pipe Cacti.
Ajo Mountain Drive
Our first adventure in the park is heading up Ajo Mountain Drive to the Arch Canyon Trailhead. Along the way we see some incredible views as well as some really nice Organ Pipe Cacti.
Arch Canyon Trail
As we arrive at the trailhead, we look up and can see a hiker standing under the arch known as the Ajo Window.
The trail starts out pretty easy; but quickly turns into a very steep, rock scramble, almost straight up. We went part of the way up toward the arch; but didn’t make it all the way to the window.
At the bottom of the trail, we have lunch on the provided picnic table, chatting with a couple visiting from Missouri.
Victoria Mine Trail
Our next adventure is to traverse the Victoria Mine Trail. The trailhead is at the southwest corner of the campground, so we put on our boots and packs, lock up the camper, and we’re off.
Alamo Canyon Campground
Next, we take the truck north to the Alamo Canyon Campground; where we will find our next trailhead. This campground is very small and very primitive compared to the Twin Peaks Campground. There are only a few sites and a pit toilet at this location.
Alamo Canyon Trail
This trail is known for a very large patch of Organ Pipe Cacti as well as a very well preserved old homestead along the Alamo Canyon wash.
Puerto Blanco Drive
After lunch we decide to head out on the Puerto Blanco Drive. This 42 mile (mostly one-way) scenic loop takes us up and around the Puerto Blanco Mountains leading to overlooks, hiking trail, springs, and eventually down to the boarder wall.
Dripping Springs
After leaving the truck at the Dripping Springs trailhead parking area we head south across a flat basin before climbing into the hills to locate the Dripping Spring. It’s not much to look at; but the water flows here year-round and in the desert, that’s unusual.
Quintobaquito Springs
Our next stop is another spring and this one looks more like something we’d find in Florida vs at the US-Mexico border. Surrounded by trees with an Egret on the edge of the water, benches have been placed around edge so visitors can relax and take in this surprising scene.
Border wall
As we leave the spring, we head back to the truck and the border wall. While we’re here airing up the tires, we see several Border Agents driving along the border wall making sure everything is secure. Most wave and one even stopped to ask if we needed help. We thanked him and explained the hood was up so the air compressor could access the battery.
Cycling the Ajo Mountain Loop
Today we head out on the bikes to complete the 21 mile Ajo Mountain Drive. We did this drive in the truck a few days ago to access the Arch Canyon Trail; but doing it on the bikes will be a physical challenge as well as allow us to take in more of the scenery.
Sunset hike on the Desert View Trail
For our last night in the park we decide to so a sunset hike on the Desert View Trail. So, we ride our bikes to the trailhead just before sunset and begin working our way up the mountain.
We are joined on the trail by a family from Switzerland. Their three boys literally ran up the trail, while the parents joined us at a walk. We all met up at the top and chatted for a while as we watched the sun come down.
Once the sun had disappeared behind the hills, we continue the loop trail along the ridge and work our way back to the trailhead. What a fantastic way to complete our visit here.
