Near Bull Pasture/ Estes Canyon Loop Trail
Climbing up to Bull Pasture
Near Bull Pasture/ Estes Canyon Loop Trail
Estes Canyon
Near Bull Pasture/ Estes Canyon Loop Trail
Ajo Mountain Range
Near Bull Pasture/ Estes Canyon Loop Trail
Organ Pipe Cactus
Near Bull Pasture/ Estes Canyon Loop Trail
View toward Sonoyta, Mexico

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Hike Route

Bull Pasture/ Estes Canyon Loop Trail

5.0 (2 Ratings)
Hikers will enjoy solitude and great views in the middle of the Sonoran Desert on this hike.
3.4
mi
Distance
945
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
NPS federal fee area (national monument).

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.39mi
Distance
945ft
Elevation Gain
945ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
3,256ft
High Point
2,362ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The hike starts on the Bull Pasture Trail which gradually climbs up into the Ajo Mountains with views extending all over Organ Pipe National Monument and into Mexico. Multiple species of giant cacti (Saguaro and Organ Pipes, of course...) and other vegetation typical for the Sonoran Desert can be spotted along the trail. The hike can be shortened by taking the Estes Canyon Trail back to the Estes Canyon parking lot at the junction instead of hiking the Bull Pasture Trail up to Bull Pasture. On the way back from Bull Pasture, turn onto Estes Canyon Trail to make a loop. You'll cross plenty of dry washes, and watch out for the cairns that mark the trail. You'll find lots of wildflowers in the spring like poppies and brittle brush. The trail offers little shade in summer, so bring plenty of water. The Estes Canyon Trail ends back at a junction with the Bull Pasture Trail which you can follow back to the parking area to finish your hike.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Katherine Thomas