El Camino del Diablo (46.32 miles away)
Ajo, Arizona
Puerto Blanco Road (North)
Scout Route
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The northern portion of the Puerto Blanco scenic loop begins just west of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument visitor center. The road is well-maintained gravel for the first 5 miles, with paved sections where erosion once required constant maintenance. This section allows two-way traffic and ends at a picnic area with a vault toilet. The remainder of the trail is narrow, rough dirt, and one-way counterclockwise. The last two miles of the trail are very sandy. The trail ends at the intersection of Pozo Nuevo Road and Puerto Blanco Road (South).
The rugged Puerto Blanco Mountains provide a backdrop to massive forests of saguaro and clusters of rare organ pipe cacti. Chain fruit cholla, ocotillo, palo verde, ironwood, and creosote bush finish out the iconic Sonoran Desert landscape. There are numerous hiking trailheads spread along the trail. The track also passes several closed mines. Informational signage with pullouts is scattered along the trail.
There is no camping on the trail. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has two campgrounds. Commercial campgrounds are available in Ajo and Why. Fuel is available in Why and nearby Lukeville.
This area is very close to the Mexican border. Smuggling and human trafficking activities are common. Be vigilant when visiting this area.
