Today we're showing you 5 Ranger recommended hikes at Organ
Pipe Cactus National Monument, and did you know that if you
hike at least 5 miles of trails in the monument, you can get our
special hike for health pin and all you have to do is take pictures of
yourself on the hike and show them to our staff at the visitor
center and we'll give you a badge. If you aren't able to make it to
the visitor center, just email your photos to us and we will
mail you a badge. Now let's get started on our five ranger recommended hikes.
First up on our list is Alamo Canyon. This
area has a primitive campground, but also has a 1.8 mile trail
that goes into the canyon.
The trail leads to historic ranch and corral, but also
follows a lush wash that's great for birding and
wildlife watching. This trail is located in the Northeast
part of the park, making it the closest monument trail to Ajo.
Number two is Desert View. Desert View Trail is located
near Twin Peaks Campground and is a great way to see organ pipe
cactus. This easy trail is 1.2 miles and does climb a small
hill making it a great place to see sunsets and sunrises over
the desert. OK, number three is our nature trail. This easy trail
leads out from the Visitor Center for 1/10th of a mile.
It's paved and accessible and the trail has interpretive
signs that talk about the ecology and local plants. Plus
the trail takes you to a pond where you can see the
endangered Quitobaquito pupfish.
Number four is the Bull Pasture, Estes Canyon trail. This trail is
located off of the Ajo Mountain Drive and features a 2.6 mile
moderate loop nestled in the Ajo
Mountains. Off that loop is the strenuous Bull Pasture spur
trail, half a mile one way that while steep, will reward you with
beautiful views of the monument. However, make sure you're
prepared to climb roughly 800 feet in elevation over the two
miles to the top of Bull Pasture. Last on our list we have
number five, the Victoria Mine Trail. This fairly easy trail goes
approximately four and a half miles round trip through a couple of washes
to the Victoria Mine site. Victoria Mine is one of the
oldest prospecting sites in
southwestern Arizona, and the trail leaves from the South end
of the Twin Peaks campground.
Thanks for watching.
Hope to see you outside!