How Do You Hike Ajo Peak In Organ Pipe National Monument?
Mount Ajo is located on the eastern border of the Organ Pipe National Monument in southwest Arizona, 150 miles south of Phoenix. The monument has a looped one-way drive through signature cacti. At the end of the drive is the Mount Ajo Trailhead. The trail leaves a ravine and climbs almost five thousand feet toward the summit. Once near the summit, a side trail takes the hiker down to Ajo Arch. Because of the pervasive summer heat, it is highly encouraged to make the hike during the winter months. Enter the monument and stop at the Visitor Center. Inquire about weather and trail conditions. A thundercloud nearby could create a dangerous electrical storm, thus rendering the hike unsafe. Arizona thunderclouds appear quickly. Take the Ajo Mountain Drive, stopping occasionally to view organ pipe cacti. There are saguaro cacti here as well. Do not confuse the organ pipe with the saguaro cactus. Organ pipe sprouts outward from a single base, while the saguaro has one trunk with one or two dis
