Hiking

Duration:

2 minutes, 33 seconds

Join our park rangers as they reveal five of our favorite hikes in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

 

Hike five miles and earn a Hike for Health pin!

NPS Photo/ K Ceballos

NEW! I Hike For Health Challenge:

Come hike the Green Desert and earn a reward for being active in Organ Pipe Cactus.

There are miles and miles of trails laced around Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Some are easy, others are strenuous, most of them fall somewhere in between. Some of the best hiking is off the beaten trails and out in the canyons with a map and compass to guide you. Always carry water and snacks, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. More detailed trail information is available in the park newspaper and in person at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is available in designated areas. Check with the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for more information.

 

Visitor Center and Campground Trails

• Visitor Center Nature Trail (0.1 mile/ 0.16 km round trip)

  Easy brick path from Visitor Center with exhibits. Accessible to scooters and wheelchairs. Pets allowed on leash.
• Campground Perimeter Trail (1 mile/ 1.6 km round trip)
  Easy loop around Twin Peaks Campground. Pets allowed on leash.
• Desert View Trail (1.2 miles/ 2 km round trip)
  Easy loop trail to beautiful vistas. Ideal for sunrise and sunset. Benches provided.
• Palo Verde Trail (2.6 mi (4.2 km) round trip)
  Easy, pet-friendly hike between the visitor center and campground.

Ajo Mountain Drive Trails

• County Road 131 (8 miles/12.8 km one way)
  Easy trail that follows the old county road which later became AZ Hwy 85.
• Arch Canyon (1.2 miles/1.9 km round trip)
  Easy trail that steadily climbs into a canyon. Good views of the arch and oak-juniper environment
• Bull Pasture (3 miles/ 5 km round trip)
  Difficult trail with steep grade and exposed cliffs. Spectacular views of Mexico and the monument. Can be done as a loop with Estes Canyon Trail.
• Estes Canyon (3 miles/ 5 km round trip)
  Moderate trail and is great for birding. Trail crosses several washes and is relatively flat until the switchback climb to the Bull Pasture trail.

Trail Map for Ajo Mountain Trails

Puerto Blanco Mountain Trails

• Senita Basin Trailhead
• Red Tanks Tinaja
• Baker Mine
• Lost Cabin
• Milton Mine
• Victoria Mine
• Dripping Springs
• Dripping Springs Mine
  This series of trails are based on historic roads that connected the mines in the Puerto Blanco Mountains. Trails can be accessed from either of three trail heads: Twin Peaks Campground, North Puerto Blanco Drive, and Senita Basin parking area. Pick up a trail guide at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center.

Trail Map for Puerto Blanco Mountains

Other Ajo Mountain Trails

• Alamo Canyon (2 miles round trip)

  Easy trail. Recommended for birding. Footing can be rough.