Drive South Puerto Blanco Road

At Senita Basin, visitors can see three species of columnar cacti: saguaro, organ pipe and senita.

NPS Photo/K Ceballos

South Puerto Blanco Drive is a two-way, graded dirt road that follows the southern boundary of the park and provides access to Senita Basin and Quitobaquito Springs. Great examples of organ pipe, senita, and saguaro cacti are visible along this route. This road can be washboarded – reduce your speed and allow extra time. These roads are doable in a normal passenger car. Trailers, buses, and motorhomes over 25 feet (8 meters) are prohibited on the drive.

South Puerto Blanco Drive to Quitobaquito and back

• 28 mi (45 km), 3 hours round-trip

• This drive parallels the international border for several miles and provides access to Quitobaquito Springs, an oasis in the middle of the desert. Quitobaquito is one of the few habitats of the endangered Quitobaquito Pupfish and Sonoyta Mudturtle. 

South Puerto Blanco Drive to Senita Basin Trailhead and back 

• 14 mi (23 km), 2 hours round-trip from Hwy 85

• This drive offers the quickest access to Senita Basin trailhead. Along the way, you will see the greatest concentration of senita cacti in the monument, and one of the few places where you can see all three of the park’s columnar cacti coexisting: senita, organ pipe, and saguaros. A large network of hiking trails can be accessed from the Senita Basin trailhead.

Picnic Areas

Picnic areas are available at Senita Basin and Quitobaquito. No restrooms are available along this drive.

Some Reminders

• Water is not available anywhere along the drive so carry plenty with you. Bring at least 1 gallon of water per day per person.

• Fires and camping are not allowed on the drive.

• Pets are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry. They must be leashed at all times. Please do leave pets unattended.

• Do not cross washes when flooded. 

• Do not pick up hitchhikers. Report any suspicious activity to park staff immediately. Do not contact any suspicious persons. If you see them in distress, contact a ranger for help.

Details

Duration

2-3 Hours

• South Puerto Blanco Drive to Quitobaquito and back: 3 hours round-trip
• South Puerto Blanco Drive to Senita Basin Trailhead: 2 hours round-trip

Activity

Scenic Driving

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are not allowed on the trails or in the backcountry and are only allowed on the South Puerto Blanco road itself. They must be leashed at all times. Please do not leave pets unattended in cars. 

Activity Fee

Yes

Entrance fee required for day use. Please pay in person at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, or at one of the self-registration stations. 

• Vehicles: $25 (Good for 7 days)
  This fee includes all occupants of a vehicle.

• Motorcycle: $20 (Good for 7 days)

• Individuals: $15 (Good for 7 days)
  This fee applies to bicycles and walk-ins (per person)

Location

Eastern entrance to South Puerto Blanco Drive

From the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, head 4 miles south on Highway 85. The entrance to South Puerto Blanco Drive will be on the right (or west) side of the highway.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

While South Puerto Blanco Drive can be experienced all year round, please be aware that in the summer temperatures can reach upwards of 110 degrees Fahrenheit and plan your activities accordingly. 

Accessibility Information

Please note that the trails and picnic areas along this scenic drive are not ADA accessible as the terrain is unpaved and uneven in some sections of the trail. 

Hikers of many different abilities have hiked routes along Ajo Mountain Drive in the past. If you are curious about accessibility for your needs please contact the park.

While pets are not allowed on trails along the scenic drive, service animals are allowed.