The Monument exhibits an extraordinary collection of plants of the Sonoran Desert, including the organ pipe cactus, a large cactus rarely found in the United States. There are also many creatures that have been able to adapt themselves to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight and little rainfall. Two scenic loop roads - the Ajo Mountain Drive and the Puerto Blanco Drive penetrate desert country. Passenger vehicles can travel them easily, but if you are driving a motor home more than 25 feet long, you should not travel these unpaved roads. Trailers are not recommended on these roads.
Guidebooks are available at the visitor center and at the start of both drives.
Ramadas and picnic areas are located in scenic spots on both drives. The 21-mile Ajo Mountain Drive winds along the foothills of the Ajo Mountains, the highest range in the area. Outstanding desert landscapes and impressive stands of organ pipe cactus are among the highlights of this tour. The drive takes about two hours. The 53-mile Puerto Blanco Drive circles the colorful Puerto Blanco Mountains and passes through a startling variety of scenery.