My first stop on my southern Arizona adventure was to explore Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. I had secured a site at the Alamo Primitive Campground for Thursday night, so I used that as my anchor for planning the rest of the adventure. Originally, I was going to be backpacking the Highline National Trail, but some scheduling issues made that no longer possible. After making the drive over from San Diego, I fueled up in Gila Bend, grabbed a Subway sandwich for dinner, and headed south on the 85.
I first made a stop at the Kris Engel Visitor Center to get my Junior Ranger badge and to check about the trails I hoped to hike that afternoon. Leaving the visitor center, I set off along Ajo Mountain Drive to the respective trailheads. This road is one way, so I really did not have a choice in the order I hiked them. I had a drive tour guide booklet, but I had watched a good YouTube video of this drive, so I was familiar with the sights. I pulled into the parking area for the Arch trail. The arch, actually a double arch, is visible from the trailhead, but I wanted to hike up the canyon and explore the area near it. Two cars were in the lot when I arrived, and another joined soon after I did. I changed into my hiking gear and set off. I had frozen two bottles of water, and they were still about half ice when I set off. The car thermometer read 85° F.
The maintained trail headed along the south side of the canyon, working its way back and around the ridge on which the arch is located. After about 0.6 miles, the maintained trail ends. A metal bar lies on the ground. From here, you follow a well-marked use trail up the slope of the ridge. Cairns are plentiful, and usually, you can also see the well-worn path. I came upon a couple from Finland who were not enjoying this hike. I offered water or snacks if they needed them, but they refused. I think they decided to turn back, as I did not see them again. A short time later, a hiker passed me coming back from the top. We chatted briefly before going our respective ways.
I reached the ridgeline and made my way toward the arch, but as I drew near, I could not find a safe enough route to fully get to it. I could see a portion of it, and that would have to do. I began working my way back down when the hiker who pulled in the parking lot after me arrived at the summit. She had hit the trail before I did, and I was wondering where she had gone. She mentioned that she poked around the southern part of the ridge before coming close to the arch. The descent was slow as the route was a combination of steep grade and loose rocks. I took my time and enjoyed the shade offered by the ridge and the light breeze. Soon, I was back on the maintained trail and cruised back to the car. Got in 2.4 miles and 1,004 feet of gain. I need a total of 5 miles hiked to earn my “I Hiked the Green Desert” pin. Let’s see how many miles I can do along the next trail.
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.
One thought on “Hiking up Arch Canyon”