No matter how you find them, they'll be at their best at sunrise and sunset when they can glow gold or a deep burgundy in the warm light. However, in the desert of the Southwest, the sunrise or sunset light is generally of a shorter duration than in places to the north, and the midday light is often extremely harsh and results in washed-out images. Planning is an important part of any photography trips into the desert. The scenic loops are brimming with photographic challenges. The Ajo Mountain Drive winds its one-way road through the desert, up into the mountains, along the mountainside, and back through the bajada, a transition area at the base of the foothills.
Nurse trees are prevalent along the early part of the trail through the desert and along the bajada.
Saguaro produce thousands of seeds, but only a few survive. The young plants' chances for survival are dramatically increased if they grow in the shade of a tree or bush. The trees supply enriched soil, shade, and protection from cold. However, as the cactus grows and becomes stronger, it may eventually kill the tree. In the United States, the Organ Pipe cactus grows almost exclusively in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.