Just about a mile down the road from the Arch Canyon Trail is the Estes Canyon/Bull Pasture Trailhead. I pulled into the empty parking lot, refilled my water bottles, and snacked on some dried apricots before heading out. This hike was going to be a loop, but I didn’t know which direction I was going to go. Looking over the information panel, the grade looked nicer going in a clockwise direction. I was feeling good, but still would rather play it safe. At the junction, I signed the logbook and set off along the Estes Canyon Trail. I cruised along the trail, crossing a wash from time to time. After about a mile, I reached the pasture, and off to the south, I could see the switchbacks that I would climb to loop back.
I kept my head focused on the trail and not the climb. Soon, I reached the junction that one could take to an overlook (and if it had been cooler out, onto the summit of Mount Ajo). I was not interested in adding another mile to this hike, so I continued on toward the parking lot. More switchbacks took me down, and soon the road came back into view. Another 2.4 miles under my belt. Since the visitor center was already closed, there was no need to add in the last few tenths of a mile I needed to reach 5 miles of hiking in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and earn my “I Hiked the Green Desert” pin. Officially, this hike was 2.48 miles with 487 feet of gain.
Back at the car, I finished the Ajo Mountain Drive loop and set off to my campsite at Alamo Primitive Campground. I quickly set up my Luno in the back of the Subaru and relaxed while enjoying my dinner and a well-earned beer. The sunset was incredible, and soon the stars began to appear. I spent some time working on my astro-photography before turning in for the night.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.