News Release

Bates Well,Pozo Nuevo, and Ajo Mountain Drive Closures

Bates Well to the Cabeza Prieta Boundary, and Pozo Nuevo Roads are temporarily closed on the west side of Organ Pipe Cactus. Ajo Mountain Drive on the east side.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: March 31, 2023

Contact: Jessica Pope, 520-366-0050

**TEMPORARY CLOSURE ORDER**

Pursuant to the authority outlined in 36 CFR § 1.5(a)(1), which provides that the Superintendent may “Designate areas for a specific use or activity, or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity,” the following areas are closed:

Bates Well Road – Beginning at the intersection of Growler Wash, extending westerly to the boundary of the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.
The closure is effective April 4, 2023, and applies to all foot, bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

Pozo Nuevo Road – Beginning at the intersection of North Puerto Blanco Drive, extending northerly to the intersection of Bates Well Road.
The closure is effective April 4, 2023, and applies to all foot, bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

Ajo Mountain Drive - The closure is effective April 3, 2023, and applies to all foot, bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

The closures are in response to public safety concerns associated with ongoing infrastructure improvement projects. The closures protect the public from exposure to heavy machinery and construction traffic.

Visitor education materials and media releases will be made available throughout the closure periods. The effectiveness of the closures will be assessed on an on-going basis. Notice will be provided of any additional closures or the lifting of existing closures.