Location: Ajo
Top Things to do in Ajo
- 1. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- 2. Ajo Visitor Center
- 3. New Cornelia Open Pit Mining Lookout
- 4. Ajo Historical Museum
- 5. Quitobaquito Spring
- 6. Puerto Blanco Scenic Drive
- 7. Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge
- 8. Federated Church
- 9. Cooper News Bookstore
- 10. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ajo, AZ
Top 10 Things to do in Ajo, United States
Ajo (/ˈɑːhoʊ/ AH-hoh; O'odham: Moik Wahia or O'odham: ʼOʼoho) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pima County, Arizona, United States. The population was 3,304 at the 2010 census. Ajo is located on State Route 85 just 43 miles (69 km) from the Mexican border. It is the closest community to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
Restaurants in Ajo
1. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Home to a beautiful display of desert vegetation, including the Organ Pipe cactus.
Reviewed By wanderer31310 - Phoenix, Arizona
We spent Easter weekend with friends in the group camping site.The solitude was wonderful (except for the helicopter and ICE raid one evening) and there was a full moon which was spectacular. I really appreciated the clean bathroom and solar shower. We hiked to Bull Pasture and Estes Canyon and drove the Ajo Mountain loop, all of which we enjoyed. The dirt road was well-maintained and 4 wheel drive was not a necessity. It was rather warm and other than the ramada over the picnic table there is no shade so best to be prepared with some type of shade structure.
2. Ajo Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By northernneckinn - Tappahannock, Virginia
Former glory of being a major copper mining town it is now just a skeleton of its former glory but it tries to retain its pride by having a clean vision of a desert reinvented art center and architecturally interesting waypoint on our journey to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Loved the visitor center and sent us on our way to the weekly Saturday morning Farmers’ Market and explore around town including the huge copper mine pit! Several artist incubators have been set up and mural created to add interest to the downtown area. Worth a stop and taking time to understand the dynamics of this community.
3. New Cornelia Open Pit Mining Lookout
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Judith M - Naples, Florida
It opens between 10 and 10:30, we arrived early and no one was there but after driving around found it open a little later. Overlooking the mine is interesting but there are similar overlooks in other parts of Arizona. However speaking with Bob makes this a 5 star review. He used to work at the mine and was very knowledgable about all aspects. He was able to answer every question we asked and we asked alot of questions. There are also some great pictures of the mine, some taken even before they started digging.
4. Ajo Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Cherie P - Pahrump, Nevada, United States
The exhibits in the museum were very interesting and covered a wide range of local history. The volunteer staffing the museum was knowledgable and friendly. He can tell you about many things. The museum is a beautiful old church. They gladly accept donations as well. Definitely worth visiting!
5. Quitobaquito Spring
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
An oasis in the dry part of the Sonoran Desert that is a promising spot for viewing plants, birds and animals.
Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey
Tough location to get to! And - chances are - the journey will likely make you a bit apprehensive. You have to drive a few miles basically very close to the border and parallel to it. There are Boarder Patrol vehicles. The water pond is unassuming and plain in appearance at least in November but it is a treasure basin for any ichthyologist in you! The area is a part of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument . The quitobaquito dessert fish are small, there are also mud turtles and hard to spot snails. Interesting place for a biologist to visit
6. Puerto Blanco Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Scenic 52-mile drive through the Sonoran Desert that passes close to historic sites, old mines and tree-lined oasis.
Reviewed By William W - Portland, Oregon
We last took this very scenic drive 13 years ago, then the National Park Service closed it for "safety" reasons. It is an absolutely beautiful, half day drive around a small part of Organ Pipe Cactur National Monument. When we last did it one could do it in a moderately stout SUV, and some did it in regular sedans. Then it was closed for 12 years, but now re-opened. The re-opened part of the drive has, apparently, not been maintained during the closure, so only high-clearance, 4x4's are allowed. Too bad! We're missing the best part. Still, driving, hiking and "experiencing" the newly re-opened South Drive and Ranch Drive were great fun after a long drought. We hope that the NPS can find a way to restore the rest of this lovely National Monument asset.
7. Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
This wilderness area, formed from over 850,000 acres of Sonoran Desert, consists of several mountain ranges separated by broad valleys.
Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey
Cabeza is located close to Mexican boarder on Yuma dessert. To truly explore it you have to have a reliable vehicle and lots of water. Because of the particulars of this location a lot of areas are off limits.
The best it is to start at the visitor's center. It is very informative. Watch the educational film they present to learn more. The Cabeza Prieta is the home of the endangered species of Sonoran pronghorn.
8. Federated Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By PadreArizona - Arizona
This is the Protestant Church in Ajo. Designed in 1926, it has a plain white exterior but fine dark woodwork inside. Sunday services are conducted by a Methodist lay pastor, but Christians of many denominations worship here. The chancel layout suggest that an Episcopalian had a hand in the design. The church is not always open, but, if it is, it is well worth visiting.
9. Cooper News Bookstore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
We are an independent bookstore located in an old mining town near the Mexican border. We are the closest bookstore to Rocky Point. We carry used and new books, basic office supplies, our own line of Ajo postcards, t-shirts, magazines, art and gifts.
Reviewed By nanaof1boy3girls - Layton, Utah
We went here to look for Ajo t-shirts, though they don't have a big selection you can find some. They also have paintings by the local artists for sale. They have a big selection of used books that you can buy. Need office supplies, they have some. Cute little shop that is worth the stop.
10. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ajo, AZ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Anna G - Chicago
This church, completed in 1927, was designed by George Washington Smith (1876-1930), an architect well-known for his work in Santa Barbara, California. In Ajo, the intense sun magnifies the simple flourishes of this pure white church and it anchors the zócalo quite well.
It looks similar to the church next door (which was built several years after this one). They both are white and they are very symmetrically located to the central old historic plaza (in Spanish Revival Style) and Curley School.
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