puerto blanco scenic drive

We last took this very scenic drive 13 years ago, then the National Park Service closed it for "safety" reasons. It is an absolutely beautiful, half day drive around a small part of Organ Pipe Cactur National Monument. When we last did it one could do it in a moderately stout SUV, and some did it in regular sedans. Then it was closed for 12 years, but now re-opened. The re-opened part of the drive has, apparently, not been maintained during the closure, so only high-clearance, 4x4's are allowed. Too bad! We're missing the best part. Still, driving, hiking and "experiencing" the newly re-opened South Drive and Ranch Drive were great fun after a long drought. We hope that the NPS can find a way to restore the rest of this lovely National Monument asset.

Puerto Blanco Scenic Drive is part of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. It is a 52 mile loop that starts at mile marker 75 on SR-85, goes through the desert / mountains, and then comes back out at mile marker 79 on SR-85 (about 1 mile north of the US/Mexico border). Due to illegal immigration and smuggling, most of the road is closed and has been for a while- so to do the loop is not possible at this time. Instead, you start near the visitor center and cruise on a nice paved road for about 6 miles and come to a turn-around with toilet facilities.There is a lot to see and you will probably not see another vehicle in the area. The Sonoran desert is very alive and if you come early in the morning or at dusk, you are likely to see some wildlife. Regarding the smuggling, this area is pretty safe but always be aware of your surroundings. See my other reviews in the area!

Mountains, desert, incredible wildflowers, canyons, many amazing varieties of cactus including the namesake Organ Pipe. One of the most beautiful and varied deserts I've ever seen

The drive is okay but because the road is closed at the end you cannot to the loop back to the visitor center and have to return the way you came.

The curator at the Ajo museum was friendly and knowledgeable. The scenic drive and view of the copper mine were an adventure while hiking and looking for glistening ore or gemstones as the evening sun shone across the land.