Drive the North Puerto Blanco Loop

Beyond Pinkley Peak, North Puerto Blanco Drive is a high clearance vehicle road.

NPS Photo/ B Burnett

For those looking for a longer, more rugged scenic drive through Organ Pipe, Puerto Blanco Drive is a great way to experience some of the park’s volcanic geology, mining history, and natural springs. The 41 mile Puerto Blanco Loop is broken into two parts: North Puerto Blanco Drive and South Puerto Blanco Drive.

North Puerto Blanco Drive is a two-way road up until Pinkley Peak Picnic Area. This road is suitable for any passenger car, but past Pinkley Peak the road turns into a one-way, high clearance vehicle road until it intersects with South Puerto Blanco Road. The road beyond Pinkley Peak is rocky and can get washed out after storms. Check with a ranger for road conditions.

If you drive the full North Puerto Blanco Drive, you must complete the loop using either the South Puerto Blanco Drive or by heading north towards Ajo using Pozo Nuevo (4WD required) and Bates Well road. Trailers, buses, and motorhomes over 25 feet (8 meters) are prohibited on the drive.

Trips Suitable for Your Vehicle

Passenger Cars

North Puerto Blanco to Pinkley Peak

• 10 miles (16 km), 30-45 min round-trip

• This road features scenic views of mountains and dense concentrations of saguaro cactus. At the turnaround there is a picnic area with views of the Pinkley Peak and Valley of the Ajo. Past Pinkley Peak, the road continues as a rugged one-way loop recommended for high clearance vehicles only.
   

High Clearance Vehicles

Entire Loop (North Puerto Blanco Drive to South Puerto Blanco Drive)

• 41 miles (66km) from North Puerto Blanco entrance back to Highway 85

• 4-5 hours round-trip

• This drive provides access to the Pinkley Peak Picnic Area, Red Tanks trailhead, Dripping Springs, Golden Bell Mine, Bonita Well, Senita Basin, and Quitobaquito Springs.
   

High Clearance and 4WD

North Puerto Blanco Drive -> Pozo Nuevo -> Bates Well Road

• 62 miles (100km) from North Puerto Blanco entrance back to Highway 85 (exit is on Darby Wells Road, by the town of Ajo)

• 5-6 hours round-trip

• The rugged Pozo Nuevo road offers great views of the Cipriano Hills, the Growler Valley, and the historic Pozo Nuevo line-camp. This sandy road washes out after storms. Check with ranger about road conditions. This section requires high clearance and 4WD.

• The Bates Well Road passes by the Bates Well Ranch site and provides access to the El Camino de Diablo in Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge (permits required to recreate on the refuge). This road is high clearance-recommended.

Bathrooms and Picnic Areas

Pit toilets are available at Pinkley Peak Picnic Area (mile 4/ 6.4 km) and Bonita Well (mile 18.3/ 29.4 km) along North Puerto Blanco Drive.

Picnic areas are available at Pinkley Peak Picnic Area, Golden Bell Mine, Bonita Well, and Senita Basin.

Some Reminders

• Water is not available anywhere along the drive so carry plenty with you. Bring at least 1 gallon of water per day per person.
• Pets are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry. They must be leashed at all times. Please do NOT leave pets unattended.
• Do not cross washes when flooded.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers. Report any suspicious activity to park staff immediately. Do not contact any suspicious persons. If you see them in distress, contact a ranger for help.
• Fires are not allowed on the drive.
• Permitted, backcountry camping is allowed in some areas.

Details

Activity

Scenic Driving

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

Yes

Entrance fee required for day use. Please pay in person at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, or at the self-registration station at the beginning of North Puerto Blanco Drive.

• Vehicles: $25 (Good for 7 days)
  This fee includes all occupants of a vehicle.

• Motorcycle: $20 (Good for 7 days)

• Individuals: $15 (Good for 7 days)
  This fee applies to bicycles and walk-ins (per person)

Location

Entrance to North Puerto Blanco Drive

Reservations

Yes

Accessibility Information

Please note that most trails and picnic areas along this scenic drive are not ADA accessible as the terrain is unpaved, uneven, and steep in some sections of the trail. Pinkley Peak Picnic area is an ADA accessible picnic area with an ADA accessible restroom. 

Hikers of many different abilities have hiked trails along this road in the past. If you are curious about accessibility for your needs please contact the park.