Arizona
Treasured Landscapes: Hiking Organ Pipe and Saguaro National Park
Program No. 22724RJ
Join experts in southern Arizona to hike among the signature cacti of Saguaro National Park and Organ Pipe. Experience stunning landscapes and a dazzling array of life.
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 26 - Feb 1, 2025
Starting at
1,999Feb 16 - Feb 22, 2025
Starting at
1,999DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 26 - Feb 1, 2025
Starting at
2,519Feb 16 - Feb 22, 2025
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7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6B 5L 6D
7
Transfer to Tucson, Program Concludes
Tucson. AZ
At a Glance
The Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona is like a great sea of mighty cacti and windswept brush — its vast desert basins lap against isolated mountains that stand like lost islands. These swaths of desert may look barren to the untrained eye, but beneath that facade lay hidden oases and spectacular vistas teeming with life. Join local experts to explore Saguaro National Park and the magical lands of Ajo — one of Arizona’s hidden gems. Enjoy forays on the winding trails of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and discover an incredible diversity of life as you hike these majestic landscapes.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Daily hikes of 3-7 miles over varied terrain. Elevation changes of 500–1,000 feet. Elevations above 3,000 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy an introduction to the Sonoran Desert with a hike among the iconic cacti of Saguaro National Park.
- Explore Ajo with four days of invigorating hikes in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the surrounding Ajo area.
- Stay at the newly designed Sonoran Desert Conference Center in the heart of Ajo and near the town’s historic, Spanish-style plaza.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Mike Masek
Mike Masek is a wilderness skills instructor, herbalist and ethnobotanist living in Flagstaff, Ariz. In addition to his current work with Road Scholar, he is adjunct faculty at Northern Arizona University where he teaches traditional uses of native plants and outdoor survival skills. He also teaches programs at the National Parks and Coconino Community College. He has spent a lifetime exploring the canyons and deserts of the American Southwest and loves to share these treasures with others.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Mike Masek
View biography
Mike Masek is a wilderness skills instructor, herbalist and ethnobotanist living in Flagstaff, Ariz. In addition to his current work with Road Scholar, he is adjunct faculty at Northern Arizona University where he teaches traditional uses of native plants and outdoor survival skills. He also teaches programs at the National Parks and Coconino Community College. He has spent a lifetime exploring the canyons and deserts of the American Southwest and loves to share these treasures with others.
Matt Turner
View biography
Since he decided to attend high school in Southwest Colorado, Matt Turner has been in love with the natural wonders of the Four Corners region prompting him to obtain a degree in Natural History from Prescott College. In addition to working as a field biologist and ecological consultant, he is an avid photographer, leads trips throughout the Southwest, across rivers and in the backcountry. As a naturalist, he hopes to impart a unique perspective of the region's natural environment in all of its visitors.
Amanda Sahli
View biography
Since studying at Northern Arizona University and exploring the Colorado Plateau, Amanda Sahli has lived in the Grand Canyon area for over 20 years. After teaching and leading groups throughout the area, she began working in native plants and archaeology while continuing to share the Grand Canyon with groups of all ages. She has worked as a ranger at the Grand Canyon experiencing it from the rustic winters at Tuweep Ranger Station to baking summers at Phantom Ranch and the wild waters of the Colorado River.
Joel Kane
View biography
Joel Kane grew up roaming Appalachian Pennsylvania but has called the Southwest home for years. After serving in the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of California/Los Angeles. He later worked as an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service at Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming, Zion National Park in Utah, Oregon Caves National Monument in Oregon, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. He is pursuing his master's degree in geology at Northern Arizona University/Flagstaff.
Suggested Reading List
(9 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Treasured Landscapes: Hiking Organ Pipe and Saguaro National Park
Program Number: 22724
A Guide to the Geology of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in SW Arizona and the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve in NW Sonora protect two magnificent yet geologically distinct parts of the Sonoran Desert. Rocks of the Organ Pipe-Pinacate region have been faulted and eroded into mountains and basins typical of the Basin and Range Province of SW North America. The Biosphere Reserve contains young volcanoes, basalt lava flows, and giant maar craters on the Pinacate Volcanic field. This booklet is your field guide to the geology of these splendid desert landscapes.
Available for free at: https://library.azgs.arizona.edu/item/DTES-1552428365254-930
Desert Solitaire
Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire, the noted author's most enduring nonfiction work, is an account of Abbey's seasons as a ranger at Arches National Park outside Moab, Utah. Abbey reflects on the nature of the Colorado Plateau desert, on the condition of our remaining wilderness, and on the future of a civilization that cannot reconcile itself to living in the natural world.
Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis
In the middle of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas casinos use billions of gallons of water for fountains, pirate lagoons, wave machines, and indoor canals. Meanwhile, the town of Orme, Tennessee, must truck in water from Alabama because it has literally run out. Robert Glennon captures the irony—and tragedy—of America’s water crisis in a book that is both frightening and wickedly comical. Unquenchable reveals the heady extravagances and everyday inefficiencies that are sucking the nation dry.
A Guide to the Geology of Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park offers a variety of spectacular geologic features. Because of the relatively sparse vegetation in the lower elevations of the park, most of these features are easy to recognize and photograph. Some of these features are common throughout the Southwest. Others occur only in regions that have similar geology. This booklet is your field guide to the geology of this magnificent desert and mountain landscape. Most of the geologic features described in the text can be reached by short hikes from the tour roads of the park. This book is written for the visitor who has an interest in geology, but who may not have had formal training in the subject. It may also help ensure that the visiting geologist does not overlook some of the features described.
Available for free at: https://library.azgs.arizona.edu/item/DTES-1552427803445-383
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Book of Answers
What exactly is a desert? How can I attract hummingbirds? Are cactus spines poisonous? Is a javelina a pig? This book provides detailed answers to 42 questions that the staff at the Desert Museum are most often asked. Supplemented with nearly 100 illustrations, this 200 page book is broken down into three sections: getting to know the desert, the desert as one's backyard, and enjoying the desert. Seven useful appendixes cover a range of topics including hummingbird gardening, venomous bites and stings, climate, and additional sources of information about desert life. A fun way to learn how wild and fascinating our deserts really are! 192 pg.
Birds of Arizona Field Guide
Learn about and identify birds using Stan Tekiela's state-by-state field guides. The full-page, color photos are incomparable and include insets of winter plumage, color morphs and more. Plus, with the easy-to-use format, you don't need to know a bird's name or classification in order to easily find it in the book. Using this field guide is a real pleasure. It's a great way for anyone to learn about the birds in your state.
The Secret Knowledge of Water
Deserts are environments that can be inhospitable even to seasoned explorers. Craig Childs has spent years in the deserts of the American West, and his treks through arid lands in search of water reveal the natural world at its most extreme. This book is a very personal narrative about discovering not only the essence of water sources in arid lands but about the very soul of the place that contain these hidden treasures. A delightful read.
Roadside Geology of Arizona
The 18th printing of this book in the Roadside Geology Series offers a mini-course in geology, focusing on what can be seen from Arizona highways. Although written especially for those with little or no geologic training, there's plenty here for the professional geologist as well--a great introduction to Arizona and its past. Geologic terms are defined where first used and again in the glossary. Inside the front cover is a legend to geological symbols and abbreviations commonly used by geologists.
321pp
A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert
"Once in a generation, a guide to understanding a major North American landscape comes along. This book is such a touchstone, sure to become a classic. The emphasis here is on biodiversity, mutualism, co-evolution, and, especially, ethno-relationships—the long history of connection between desert peoples and their homeland, on both sides of the border.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
17 meals (
6B, 5L, 6D
)
2 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Tucson. AZ
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Registration at 5:00 pm, Orientation at 5:30 pm. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:30 pm. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions in our private meeting room. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions. Transportation will be provided primarily by passenger vans, unless otherwise specified. Throughout the program, our naturalist Group Leaders will cover various subjects including geology, geography, ecology, and human history while we hike as a single group with a hike leader in the front and a sweep towards the rear. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free Time” and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In the hotel conference room.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Hiking Saguaro National Park – Rincon District
Location:
Tucson. AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport
Activity Note
Getting in/out of passenger vans; driving about 21 miles to trailhead; approximately 3/4 hour riding time one way. Hiking up to 7 miles, about 6 hours; well-established but rocky Park Service trails. At 2.8 miles, Bridal Wreath Falls entails an elevation gain of approximately 1,100 feet from the Douglas Springs trailhead. Hiking distances: Trailhead to Bridal Wreath Falls roundtrip 5.6 miles. Trailhead to Bridal Wreath Falls returning to Trailhead via Three Tanks and Wildhorse Trails 6.9 miles.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant.
Morning:
We’ll begin by loading our vehicles and driving to Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District, which contains some of the most outstanding Saguaro cactus specimens in the southwest. We will begin our hike at the Douglas Springs Trailhead. As we hike, we’ll link together a combination of national park trails (Douglas Springs, Three Tanks, and Wildhorse) and cover a variety of terrain including out-wash plains, foothills, and desert dry washes. In addition to brief trailside natural history and geology talks given by our Group Leader, we will identify many desert plants encountered and relate Sonoran Desert themes to the group. Our destination for the morning will be Bridal Wreath Falls. Water that flows over the falls is an intermittent and seasonal affair dependent on rainfall or snow melt from the higher elevations. The setting of the Falls is pleasant all year round, with an abundance of bird life and stone terraces surrounded by towering Saguaro cactus mixed with higher desert vegetation.
Lunch:
Lunch will be planned at Bridal Wreath Falls (weather permitting). We'll enjoy a sack lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue our hike. For those who choose, we will offer a shorter mileage return back to the Douglas Springs Trailhead with a Group Leader by hiking back along the same route as before. Total hike mileage for the day with this option is 5.6 miles. For those who may be looking for more hiking distance and physical output, we will also offer a longer arcing route (linking the Three Tanks and Wildhorse Trails) back to the Douglas Spring Trailhead. Total mileage for the day with this option is 6.9 miles. After completing our hike in the late afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local Mexican restaurant.
Evening:
After dinner, our Group Leader will discuss tomorrow's activities and timing before returning to the hotel. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Half-Day Hike in Tucson Mountain Park, To Ajo, Desert Botany
Location:
Ajo, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sonoran Desert Conference Center
Activity Note
Getting in/out of passenger vans; driving about 20 miles to morning hike, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Hiking about 2.5 miles, approximately 2 hours; sandy dry wash, rocky trail. Driving about 130 miles from Tucson to Ajo, approximately 2.5 hours riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel and loading our vans, we’ll begin by driving to the Tucson Mountain Park for a half-day hike on the King Canyon Trail, which showcases a lovely riparian habitat along a desert wash. We’ll enjoy spectacular desert scenery, see ancient petroglyphs, immerse ourselves in Basin and Range geology, and see evidence of Civilian Conservation Corps-era structures.
Lunch:
Sack lunches in the field.
Afternoon:
Upon returning to our vehicles, we will take a short rest break before transferring to Ajo, where we will arrive for a late afternoon check-in at Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center (SDCC). Before checking into our rooms, the group will receive a warm welcome and thorough introduction to the facility by our host.
Dinner:
At the Sonoran Desert Conference Center (SDCC), we'll enjoy a dinner of local cuisine prepared by a different guest chef each evening. Feel free to bring beverages of your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Feel free to linger around the fire pit awhile or put your feet up and rest up for tomorrow's hike.
Day
4
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Hike
Location:
Ajo, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sonoran Desert Conference Center
Activity Note
Getting in/out of passenger vans; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time roundtrip with a stop. Hiking about 5 miles roundtrip, approximately 3 hours; well-established rocky trails.
Breakfast:
At the SDCC. After breakfast, we will assemble our own lunches from a variety of sandwich options, fruit, and snack items.
Morning:
Heading out from the hotel, we’ll make our way to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Visitor Center and obtain entrance permits for the group. Today will be an "Instructor's Choice" hike day. Hiking locations will include one or more of the following areas of the park: Senita Basin, which has a network of hiking trails through a botanical wonderland that is home to all three columnar cactus found in the United States (Saguaro, Organ Pipe, and Senita) growing side-by-side in this sheltered locale. Alamo Canyon Trail, located along a major drainage of the Ajo Mountains, features desert bird species, historic ranching structures, riparian habitat, and towering rock faces. During the day, we will plan a visit to the southern boundary of Organ Pipe National Monument, which is also the international boundary with Mexico. During our stop, we’ll take a short walk to a portion of the "wall"/fence that is in place to separate Sonoyta, Mexico and the United States. A current topic of interest, this will be an opportunity to see for oneself the reality of the edifice.
Lunch:
Along the trail, we’ll stop at a pleasant spot to enjoy the sack lunches we prepared after breakfast.
Afternoon:
Upon the completion of our hike in the mid-afternoon, we’ll return to our accommodations.
Dinner:
At the Sonoran Desert Conference Center (SDCC), we'll enjoy a dinner of local cuisine prepared by a different guest chef each evening. Feel free to bring beverages of your own.
Evening:
Gathering in the meeting room with a local expert, we’ll settle in for an informative presentation relating to Ajo and the surrounding area. Potential topics include local arts, native cultures, or other topics of interest.
Day
5
Crater Range Hike, Ajo Free Time
Location:
Ajo, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sonoran Desert Conference Center
Activity Note
Getting in/out of passenger vans; driving about 10 miles to trailhead, approximately 1/2 hour riding time roundtrip. Hiking about 3 miles, approximately 2.5 hours; relatively level terrain, some opportunities for rock scrambling to a ridgeline with sweeping views.
Breakfast:
At the SDCC. After breakfast, we will assemble our own lunches from a variety of sandwich options, fruit, and snack items.
Morning:
After loading we'll drive to the Crater Range north of Ajo for the day's hike, stopping along the way at the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to view an introductory video or perhaps enjoy a short talk from a staff member as an introduction to the area. Upon arriving at our "trailhead" in the Crater Range, we will begin a unique, off-the-beaten-path hiking experience among rugged, pygmy-like mountain peaks. As we walk, we’ll discuss and keep our eyes peeled for ancient cultural features such as petroglyphs, wildlife sightings and tracks, intriguing geological phenomena, and perhaps seasonal wildflowers.
Lunch:
Along the trail, we’ll stop at a pleasant spot to enjoy the sack lunches we prepared after breakfast.
Afternoon:
We’ll return to the conference center in the early afternoon after our hike. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for independent exploration. Our Group Leader will pass out brochures that outline activities in the Historic District of Ajo. You may wish to take some time to explore the Ajo Plaza and galleries, or take the shuttle to the Historical Museum, where docents will be available to answer questions. Alternatively, you may just want to relax and put your feet up for a well-deserved rest.
Dinner:
At the Sonoran Desert Conference Center (SDCC), we'll enjoy a dinner of local cuisine prepared by a different guest chef each evening. Feel free to bring beverages of your own.
Evening:
Gathering in the meeting room with a local expert, we’ll settle in for an informative presentation relating to Ajo and the surrounding area. Potential topics include local arts, native cultures, or other topics of interest.
Day
6
Organ Pipe Cactus NM – Estes Canyon, Bull Pasture Hike
Location:
Ajo, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sonoran Desert Conference Center
Activity Note
Getting in/out of passenger vans; driving about 40 miles to trailhead, approximately 2.5 hours riding time roundtrip with a stop. Hiking up to 5 miles roundtrip, approximately 4 hours; well-established rocky trail, multiple switchbacks, approximately 900-foot elevation change, some off-trail walking.
Breakfast:
At the SDCC. After breakfast, we will assemble our own lunches from a variety of sandwich options, fruit, and snack items.
Morning:
After setting out from the conference center, we’ll stop briefly at the Organ Pipe National Monument Visitor Center for permits to the scenic Ajo Mountain Drive. After a photo stop at Arch Overlook, we will arrive at the Estes Canyon and Bull Pasture trailhead for our hike. As we head up the trail, we will have our first opportunity to come face to face with an Organ Pipe Cactus and discuss its relationship to this rugged portion of the Sonoran Desert.
Lunch:
Along the trail, we’ll stop at a pleasant spot to enjoy the sack lunches we prepared after breakfast.
Afternoon:
We’ll return to Ajo in the mid-afternoon and take some time to freshen up before a pre-dinner get-together in the SDCC courtyard, where we will sit around a campfire.
Dinner:
At SDCC, we will enjoy a delicious celebratory farewell dinner. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Transfer to Tucson, Program Concludes
Location:
Tucson. AZ
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 7:45 a.m. for transfer to Tucson; expected arrival time at the airport by about 11:00 a.m. Getting in/out of passenger vans; driving about 135 miles from Ajo to Tucson, approximately 3 hours riding time.
Breakfast:
At SDCC.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll transfer for drop-offs at the airport in Tucson, followed by the starting hotel. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
17 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
LODGING
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Participant Reviews
Based on 40 Reviews
Sort By:
Wonderful trip with a great group of people. Lisa and Mike are great leaders full of knowledge of the dessert areas, and fun to hike with.
— Review left November 25, 2024
We loved our first Road Scholar trip: "Treasured Landscapes: Hiking Organ Pipe and Saguaro National Park". However, beware the "Cancel for Any Reason" Coverage. The benefit depends on approval by another insurance company.
— Review left November 24, 2024
One of the best RS hiking trips ever. 5 stars. Lisa and Mike were fun and flexible leaders who made each day memorable. If you’re wondering if the desert can be an interesting and beautiful destination to hike, the answer is “Yes!”
— Review left November 20, 2024
excellent trip; excellent guides; wonderful memories.
— Review left July 18, 2024
Terrific adventure except for the "check in" procedure by the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. :)
— Review left February 25, 2024
This was such an interesting area and learning about so many different types of Cactus and the culture of this part of the US.
Our guides were absolutely fantastic and had a great time.
— Review left February 5, 2024
Beautiful landscapes, unique locations, knowledgeable guides! Expectations exceeded!
— Review left February 4, 2024
I loved this trip! I have wanted to visit this area for many years and it was spectacular! The hike were beautiful and just the right amount of challenge. Our guides were outstanding, friendly, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
— Review left November 28, 2023
wonderful trip, Mike was especially helpful. I loved the way he explained things throughout the trip, on the van rides, on the trail, he was always happy to share his enormous knowledge. He's a star.
— Review left May 8, 2023
I highly recommend this program. Having hiked in other deserts of the Southwest, this was a unique desert experience for me. I learned that it is known as the green desert, and it is certainly that! Just beautiful, mountainous and rugged. The hikes are certainly "spirited". They tested my limits, as an active 82 year old hiker, but worth the effort. Trekking poles are a must, it's very rocky. The visit to the Wall, or more accurately, the border Fence, was disturbing, but added to the learning aspect, and necessary in understanding the impact on Sonoran Desert wildlife. The presentation by photography artist Tom Kiefer was sobering, but beautifully done.The small town of Ajo is full of artists, and I was disappointed we didn't have more time to explore it. I'm hoping to return next spring during wildflower season.
— Review left March 5, 2023
This program was very informative about the plant life and geology of southern Arizona, as well as the local immigration issues, the Native American culture, and the copper mining history of Ajo. The meals cooked by local residents of Ajo were excellent. The hiking was both challenging and rewarding. Overall a great program that I would highly recommend if you enjoy hiking.
— Review left February 6, 2023
Great program in varied and incredibly beautiful habitats. Our stay in Ajo at the Sonoran Desert Conference Center was a highlight.
— Review left January 31, 2023
The November weather was perfect for hiking. Cool in morning and 70 degrees mid-day. Hiking poles were useful. The group leaders had a good supply to lend to participants who needed to borrow them.
— Review left November 20, 2022
This was a wonderful opportunity to push myself to the limit physically, learn about the Mexican/Anglo/Tohono O'odham cultural alliances, get a better understanding of the complex nature regarding the wall between Mexico and the U.S., meet new friends who also value the great outdoors, and experience Tucson and Ajo, Arizona.
— Review left November 20, 2022
This trip provides a nice mix of hiking and education. Our guides provided lots of information about the natural surroundings that we explored on foot. Lodging and food were excellent too! Definitely recommend.
— Review left February 25, 2022
This in a great program for people who like hiking in the desert and want to learn more about desert ecology, local economics and people. The hikes range from moderate to strenuous and are an outdoor classroom.
— Review left February 22, 2022
Great choice of hikes, very nice and interesting accommodations, excellent instructors and good food made for a great experience. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat!
— Review left February 20, 2022
Great trip, great hikes, nice area to have a guide, great guides, and incredible hosts in Ajo.
The best part of visiting Organ Pipe with a guide/group is the feeling of safety. I loved the area but would have been lost without such knowledgeable guides. The park is on the Mexico border and I’m sure I would not have felt comfortable hiking here on my own. That said I’m thrilled I got to visit the park and do 2 different/unique hikes.
Ajo is a funky little town and again, glad I visited it with RS as the Sonoran Desert Inn took fantastic care of us with unique accommodations and wonderful local cooks every night! There is not much in the way of food in Ajo so the food at SDCC was key to a great 4 night stay!
— Review left February 14, 2022
Terrific program - knowledgeable, friendly leaders, interesting and informative instructors, and some great views from hiking trails.
— Review left January 31, 2022
I just returned from the Treasured Landscapes Hiking Trip and I am still on a high. What a wonderful experience! The guides were great, and Bruce Banker, besides leading us on great hikes (just challenging enough), provided interesting information in a very entertaining way (lots of laughter every day). Our stay at the Sonoran Desert Inn was truly priceless. The (in my case vegetarian) food was incredible, and everyone there is just delightful. Through the folks who work there I really got a taste of what the Ajo community is like.
Our RS group was amazing. It seemed we all bonded and truly enjoyed each other's company.
I will treasure the memory of this trip for a long time!
Chris S.
Sedona, AZ
— Review left January 31, 2022
A great trip and highly recommend for anyone who has wanted to venture into the desert but did not want to go alone. Great leaders and wonderful hikes.
— Review left January 30, 2022
Oh MY! I went there for the hiking but maybe I wouldn’t have given it a 5 star for that —-not because it was not good but because I have already seen a lot of the country. BUT unexpectedly the more time that has passed since I took this trip I am beginning to seriously appreciate my introduction to the town of Ajo and that community resource lodging we were in. Plus I have never had a greater extended family thanksgiving than this . In short , I got what I asked for with the hiking of Organ pipe and sometimes I was a little disappointed with that. BUT I got so much more than I asked for with the Experience of the community of Ajo ! Love you! Hope to come back some day
— Review left February 23, 2020
If you enjoy hiking at a medium level(Spirited) and need a winter escape this is one trip to consider. The terrain and hikes varied as well as different cacti and rock formations which made for rewarding views. The trip was limited to 16 which was perfect for hiking. Also, enjoyed the accommodations at the Sonoran Desert Conference Center in Ajo.
— Review left February 21, 2020
100% recommended. Bruce and Erica led us on interesting hikes. The leaders’ interest in and knowledge of geology, biology, botany, cultural diversity, and history added significantly to the program. Evening activities were a highlight. Staying and dining at The Conference Center in Ajo is was an unexpected pleasure.
— Review left February 21, 2020
This was my first Road Scholar trip so I didn’t know what to expect. Each hike was different with respect to terrain and difficulty. I liked the variety. Food was good as well as the accommodations. I am already looking for my next trip!
— Review left February 20, 2020
This was a true desert hiking and learning experience. This was our first Road Scholar trip and enjoyed meeting new people from all over the U.S. Our guides were terrific as well as the Sonoran Desert Conference Center where we stayed in Ajo. The meals there were very local and so good.
— Review left February 17, 2020
Bruce Banker is an incredible Group Leader! For me, he really "made" this program.
— Review left February 9, 2020
This was a fantastic week of hiking in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The late January weather was perfect and group leaders Bruce Banker and Erica Tucker guided our group with knowledge, warmth and good humor. Most of the desert blooms are still a number of weeks away at this time of year, but the flora and fauna were still beautiful and there was much to learn about. The folks at the Sonoran Desert Conference Center were so hospitable in every respect and we learned so much about the area's culture, history and future potential from our evening speakers. I can't think of a thing I would change about this week's adventure!
— Review left February 5, 2020
We have gone on many hiking programs but Organ Pipes was one of the best. Bruce and Erica were great leaders.
— Review left February 4, 2020
If you want to be in awe at the wonders of a desert, take the trip. It was fun and informative. The leaders were both well qualified. Loved all of it.
— Review left December 13, 2019
I would do this again in a heartbeat! A 5-star program for me. Exciting, challenging, fun. I pushed myself beyond my physical comfort level and kept improving each day. The hikes were an adventure. Leaders were great. Accommodations were fine. I would only add that if you have knee and ankle issues, it may be too difficult. This is focused more on hiking than on strolling and looking for photo opportunities. I loved the experience!
— Review left December 3, 2019
My wife and I really enjoyed this hiking trip. We have lived and hiked throughout the southwest for many years, but this was still a very enjoyable hiking experience in some new (and some previous) areas. Beautiful country, from Saguaro National Park to Organ Pipe National Monument, and some other surrounding locales. The weather in December is superb, not hot, not cold, usually little rain worry.
The guides were excellent. The accommodations at AJO were unique and fun, and the food great. Hikes were as advertised "moderate" with just enough effort to make your feel good about it.
— Review left April 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this program. The hiking was beautiful, cactus laden, and well chosen. Nothing was terribly difficult, and one could pick and choose difficulty on some of the days. The town of Ajo, its history, and the conference center where we stayed, were beyond expectation. I loved this town and the people that made our stay welcoming. Food? The best … every day, a south west culinary delight. Make an effort to get to the Historical Museum, all about the mining history. The doors from the conference center, where we stayed, (the old school) are now the doors into the museum. The walk to the “wall” and our interactions with border patrol brought current events into perspective. Our leaders, Bruce, extremely knowledgeable about the area, and Norm (new to the program), were outstanding.
— Review left March 2, 2019
This is a beautiful area of our country that you won't want to miss if you are a hiker. Bruce and Norm were very capable leaders and the town of Ajo was a treat, very unexpected from what I envisioned. Easy access to and from Tucson airport. If you like beautiful vistas in the outdoors, take this trip!
— Review left March 1, 2019
This was my first RS trip and it was simply terrific! The trip description was accurate. The area itself is simply amazing. We were blessed to have rain the day before we started and the wildflowers the last day were spectacular. The hikes were well planned, challenging and much more educational than I'd anticipated thanks to our very knowledgeable guides, Matt and Dave. Hiking with a small group allowed getting to know each other, one of the joys of the trip. I'm already researching my next trip to the desert.
— Review left February 18, 2019
Hiking in the desert was amazing. Learned a lot about cacti and other desert plants. It was interesting to actually see two different versions of the border wall and discuss the issue with other participants. Learned a lot about the culture of the indigenous people of the area and had great authentic food. A fair amount of driving between hiking areas. Make sure you are able to hike four miles easily because its a lot more difficult on rocks and with elevation.
— Review left February 17, 2019
I gained additional insight about the desert: its geology, its flora, and its people and their culture. Our guides did a superb job of presenting the material. The lodging accommodations were very fine. The menu reflected the culture of the area we were touring. The hikes were "moderately challenging" and accommodations were made for those who found they had exceeded their readiness for a given hike. The accommodation was done in a way that was positive for the rest of the group.
— Review left February 13, 2019
This is a terrific trip! Both Saguaro NP and Organ Pipe Cactus NM are wonderful. Scenery is both stark and magnificent. The guides are friendly, competent and interesting. I would have liked more hiking. The motel in Tucson was lacking in service and the dinners the first 2 nights were only just adequate. The accommodations in Ajo were lovely and the meals were good. Still, the hiking and the parks are the real purpose of the trip, and I highly recommend this trip. We had a great group of participants too.
— Review left February 12, 2019
This was an excellent active program. Matt, the group leader, provided a considerable amount of information regarding the geology, flora and fauna of the area. I was able to explore an area of the country that I had never been to before. The desert was much more beautiful than I thought it was going to be!
— Review left February 5, 2019
I selected this trip somewhat randomly; mainly to escape winter in Wisconsin for a week and had never been to this part of the country.
Well the program absolutely exceeded my expectations....the beauty of the land is stunning and the group leader "Matt" was extremely knowledgeable and personable. I will recommend this trip without reservation.
— Review left February 3, 2019
