Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Ajo, AZ

Ajo Mountain Road

I drove the 21-mile mostly dirt road through the desert and along the base of the Ajo Mountains. The scenery ranged from beautiful desert to rugged mountains.

Desert in the Early Morning

Peculiar Strata or Erosion Lines

Dark Mountains Rise Above the Desert Floor

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

I also came across a couple of unexpected surprises along the way.

Double Arch

Red-Tailed Hawk

Bull Pasture

This hike climbed to the top of a ridge. From there I had grand views of mountains and the broad landscape of the national monument.

Bronze Striped Mountain

It Looks Deceptively Desolate at a Distance

Reminds Me of a Moonscape

Beyond the Mouth of Estes Canyon

A couple of features, small and large, caught my eye.

Green and Aqua Blue Lichen

Caterpillar-Shaped Rock 

Estes Canyon

I was able to enjoy Estes Canyon from up high and walking along its floor. The different perspectives ensured I fully experienced its unique character and charm.

Mountains Tower over Estes Canyon

Funnel in the Rock Wall

I received another surprise beyond enjoying the interesting rock formations and desert plants.

Rock Knob

Palo Verde Guards the Trail

Hillside Littered with Cacti

Military Helicopter
(likely on a training mission)

Cacti

I found the national monument's namesake to be intriguing in its size and shapes.

Organ Pipe Cacti in the Rising Sunlight

Tentacles from Several Octopi?

One of the Largest I Saw

I also encountered some new species of cacti.

Teddybear Cholla
(I would not want to give it a hug!)

Graham's Nipple Cactus
(they were only a few inches tall)

It seems I visited at a great time to see how they grew and spread.

A New Arm at the Base of a Mature Organ Pipe Cactus

Balls from a Teddybear Cholla
(I don't know why they were dropped or whether they will take root)

Fruit of an Emory's Barrel Cactus

Chain-Fruit Cholla
(some of the dangling ends drop to the ground)