As you drive back, stop at the roadside pullouts to see rock formations, other geologic features, and exhibits. Both are winding, up and down graded dirt roads. Passenger vehicles can travel them easily, but if you are driving a motorhome more than 25 feet long, you should not travel these unpaved roads. Even some small motorhomes have difficulty, so check with a ranger first. Trailers are not recommended on these roads.
Guidebooks are available at the visitor center and at the start of 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. Around one corner you will find the desert oasis of Quitobaquito, while around another you'll find a true Sonoran Desert environment, with saguaros, organ pipe cacti, and elephant trees.