The far eastern section of the route travels into Organic Pipe Cactus National Monument where it begins to turn north departing from the US-Mexico border. There are a number of Border Patrol posts in this section, which may or may not be staffed, but make sure you've got your papers in order. The pinkish colored Pinta Sands (DP9) stand out against the burn maroon hues of the volcanic landscape- just make sure you've aired down before you hit this section! As you make your way deeper into the various lava flows, the sand becomes more frequent and deeper. It's impressive to imagine early pioneers toiling away under the intense desert sun sans any modern amenities like air conditioning! Those seeking a bit of adventure may want to check out the trail to Christmas Pass (more details below under Alternative Routes). Between two lava flows sits the old adobe homestead of Tule well.
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A series of massive volcanic craters lie across the border in el Pinacate Biosphere Reserve (consider checking out the Craters & Cacti Trail if you'd like to visit the park). These lava flows are part of the Sierra Pinacate. As you pass Circle 8 Gravesite, take note of the massive lava flows and volcanic rock all around. This corner of the Sonoran desert is favorite among local travelers- because its breathtakingly spectacular, and there's some great camping at the base of the mountains as well.Äozens of gravesites line the trail, but Circle 8 Gravesite (DP6) and Dave O'neil's Grave (DP10) are two of the most popular and well preserved. You'll need to scramble up the canyon to reach the "tanks". It is within these mountains, that the High Tanks (Tinajas Atlas DP5), a series of natural pools store groundwater throughout the year.
South or Raven Butte, the Tinajas Atlas mountains rise from the surrounding desert plains. Continuing east, Cipriano Pass (aka Smuggler's Pass) provides a nice little side trip to Raven's Butte, a stunningly black mound of volcanic rock that stands out from the pale khaki and desert brown landscape.
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Eventually you'll need to leave the vehicle behind and head out on foot into an increasingly narrow rock gorge full of all kinds of cool rock outcroppings and a plethora or nooks and crannies.
If you're seeking for a bit of adventure outside of the vehicle, considering taking the dirt road to Spook Canyon. Like many places in the desert, this corner of the Sonoran has its fair share of mines, but perhaps the best preserved along the route is the Fortuna Mine (DP2), with numerous concrete foundations and mining remnants. The Sonoran desert is bursting with plant life, which includes the mighty Saguaro cactus, various types of cholla cacti, and as you make your way east, organ pipe cactus. The western portion begins in the Barry Goldwater Air Force Range, with the picturesque Gila Mountains bordering the trail to the east. The route can be traveled in either direction, but this particular rendition travels West to East, starting in Yuma and reaching its terminus in Ajo.