Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Driving and Biking (U.S. National Park Service)

Drive a lonely road, towards a canyon with a surprise.

Intern Dan Nafziger, NPS 2006

Driving towards a canyon with a volcanic surprise. The Ajo Mountain drive is a visitor favorite for moments like this one.

Scenic Drives: The easiest way to see the splendor of this park is to take a scenic drive.

Our most popular is the Ajo Mountain Drive. It is a 21 mile, mostly gravel, road usually passable by normal passenger car. RV's over 24 feet are definitely not recommended, due to the twisting and dipping nature of the road. Consider purchasing the ever-popular Ajo Mountain Road Guidebook sold in the bookstore for $1.00, before heading out on the adventure.

During the winter and early spring (January-March) guided van tours are available, be sure to sign up at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for your seat on the van.

The Puerto Blanco Drive is the other popular road in the park. This road has been reconstructed to support two-way traffic for the first five miles on the north end of the loop, this provides access to the Pinkley Peak Picnic Area. Several stops along the way provide wonderful views and information on the ecology and culture of the Sonoran Desert. Be advised that the remainder of the road, including the South Puerto Blanco road in its entirety and Pozo Nuevo roads remain closed.

Biking: Bikes are allowed on all roads open to vehicle traffic.

The Ajo Mountain Drive (21 miles) is a popular biking road, many choose to go opposite the flow of traffic. Please bike defensively, many drivers are looking out the windows at the beautiful scenery and may not be expecting a bicyclist. Be advised that there are no hiking trails open to bicycling. Please also carry a way to secure your bicycle, if you plan on leaving it for any period of time, anywhere in the monument.