Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Tuesday 23 February – Tucson to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Woke up in Tucson and proceeded to do chores in preparation for crossing the border. After 3 days of rain, the sun came out in all of its brilliance. We changed dollars for pesos then did a quick tour of University of Arizona. The campus was very impressive. We bought propane, adjusted the tire pressure, and bought food for four days.

We visited the Dessert Museum near Suguaro National Park where we learned about cacti and agave.

We drove 120 west on AZ 86 across the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument where we are camping under clear but cold skies. We are about 2 miles from the Mexican border. From our campsite, we can look out across Lukeville (US) and Sonoyta (MX). We are 60 miles from the Sea of Cortez. Hiking tomorrow in the monument. Sleep now.

Wednesday 24 February – Tucson to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

We had a great day of exploring the National Monument. We drove around the back county loop out to the Ajo Mountains. We had the Tacoma out on dirt for the first time and drove about 20 miles. We hiked up Arch Canyon but were unable to actually reach the arch. We came back to camp for an early dinner of rice, zucchini, and beef. After cleaning up, we hiked up the mountains west of our campsite and witnessed a beautiful sunset over the Sonora Dessert. Tomorrow we cross into Mexico and drive to Puerta Penasco and hope to be camping on the Sea of Cortez.