V15E7: On the Threshold of Organ Pipe

Upon arrival, it looks like a crowded section of desert where random RVers and mobile-dwellers are all settled in for a spell. While there are clusters of campers, there are plenty of lovely, flat spaces with fire rings, tucked among the saguaros. A short drive from Organ Pike National Monument, and picturesque Ajo, Arizona. A nice gas station is also right here where you can get supplies, refuel, and enjoy a proper restroom if need be. Sites are primitive and accessible by stock AWD or 4WD vehicles. The best cell service in the area if you’re looking for a suitable boondocking spot to do work.

There is a verdant section of the Sonoran Desert, west and southwest of Ajo, Arizona. BLM land with a maze of primitive roads, offering phenomenal desert camping experiences. A lot of lush, desert vegetation, including saguaros and organ pipe cacti. This particular site requires a compact four-wheel drive to access, but is only a quarter of a mile from a main, dirt-road artery, about 15 minutes from town. Jagged desert mountains and spectacular flora and fauna all around. This particular spot is small and primitive, with a stone fire ring, and it is well-hidden from traffic. Good privacy. Enough room for one or two SUVs. Poor cell service.

Rancheros Market is a combo quick-service hot food counter, Mexican grocery and butchers. It’s extremely clean, well-stocked and well run. While doing laundry next door, we chowed on Caldo de Queso (a broths Sonoran soup with cubes of cheese and potatoes), fresh corn and flour tortillas, a Mexican Coke and mandarin Jarritos. YUM. We also picked up some grocery staples, including fresh, house-made avocado salsa, tortilla chips, marinated meat and a few other pantry staples. Highly recommend this friendly local shop. - Shannon

This hike was strenuous, covering some treacherous terrain, but it was short, and the payoff is worth it. It’s three miles round-trip and culminates at an impressive natural arch, offering a spectacular window of the valley to the west. Highly recommended, just be ready for some scrambling a loose terrain.

The atmosphere is superb, in the wonderful small town of Ajo, Arizona, where it’s summer year-round. The plaza, landscaped with palm trees is a truly unique setting and a best-kept secret. We had a mocha, dirty chai latte, and a panini, and all are delicious. So this is just a pretty place; their offerings are good and well-crafted, too.