El Camino Del Diablo (Devils Highway)

This gravel/sand/lava bed road which we drove from Ajo, AZ to Yuma, AZ covered 118 miles and took us 9.5 hours.  We traveled with three vehicles and we saw 2 groups of 4 wheelers,  7 border patrol cars and one law enforcement from the wildlife refuge during the crossing.  Prior to making the trip we all had to get permits which we activated on the day before we were driving.  The permits allowed us to cross the Cabeza Prieta Natural Wildlife reserve, the Organ Pipe Cactus Monument and the Barry Goldwater Military range.

Claudia took this picture of us with Jeannie and Jack.  They were staying in Yuma so drove over to Ajo for the trip and we spent the night in Yuma with them before returning.

At one time there were 4 working ranches in the area that is now the Monument.  Bates Well is the location of one.

Sign at location.

Water tower and windmill.

Claudia and Francis inspecting the out buildings and coral.  We had a great time and no problems.  Probably the most unsettling area for me was crossing the lava beds. These sharp stones could really do a number on tires.

Some of the deep sand roads had reinforcement (guess to keep the sand from washing away in heavy rains)

Mistletoe in iron wood tree.

Frequently blue flags can be seen out in the desert. This marks location of water for people walking in the area that run out of water.  The original Devils Highway followed watering holes for early travelers from Mexico to California.

Grave marked with stones dated 1871.

 

Here is a picture of Joel at the Memorial.  Tule Well is were we saw the 4 wheelers.

Lava flow

Sand was deep enough in some areas that Jack used in 4 wheel drive.  We did not.

The ranger at the Visitors Center where we got our permits said it was OK to go alone but if you have a problem it would be 6 + before any of the LE or border patrol might come along.  Would not recommend this trip for a single vehicle but with support in case of a breakdown it was great.  Francis said we just should have taken more time and spent the night out but that did not appeal to me or any of the others.

Joel and Claudia returned to Organ Pipe on the same day.  When they awoke the next morning this is what they saw on Ajo Mountain.

That’s right a SNOW dusting on Feb. 19.