News Release

Ajo Mountain Drive Closure

Date: September 6, 2022
Contact: Jessica Pope, 520-366-0050

Ajo Arizona – Ajo Mountain Drive, a 21-mile one-way road will close on September 6, 2022 until the end of October 2022 for paving and hardening of low water crossings. The section of road being paved stretches from Arch Canyon trailhead to Estes Canyon trailhead, an area prone to flood damage during the storms. Currently the road is dirt and is prone to erosion and damage when water runs across it. When the road is damaged it becomes impassable to vehicles, resulting in road closures and expensive grading to repair the damage. In addition to paving the surface, culverts will be replaced, and low water crossings will be improved making them more resistant to storm related damage.

Scott Stonum, Superintendent of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument said, “By paving the road and improving the low water crossings the road will be more accessible to visitors traveling in passenger cars. These improvements will harden the road against storm damage resulting in less need for repairs, lowering maintenance costs in the future.” Currently damage from flooding requires road closures and extensive repairs with heavy machinery and graders to restore access.

Crew will start work on September 6, 2022 and it is anticipated that the project will be completed by the end of October 2022. This road improvement project is being funded by recreation fees collected in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) allows the NPS to collect and retain revenue and requires that fee revenue be used to enhance the visitor experience.