Trail Overview
Lower Alamito is a high-clearance 4WD Unmaintained road that wanders through some very large Ocotillo plants that resemble forests of Saguaro cactus. In bloom, these plants display a brilliant red flower-type bud. The Ocotillo can live over 100 years. Lower Alamito Rd follows in a sandy wash, of which some areas have become unpassable, and a legal bypass has been allowed by the park officials. The road crosses an active railroad system that provides a few neat long-distance photo opportunities. The road eventually crosses the Alamo Creek, which often has water in it, especially after a good rain. The location of the ford is at a cattle pen site that is constructed from old railroad ties. A designated campsite is in the immediate vicinity that requires a permit from the Visitor Centers. As this road progresses north and gains a little elevation, it slowly closes in to a two-track that is being reclaimed by nature.
Difficulty
The road is not a technical drive, but the weather can change the road condition, leaving a few sections unpassable during running water down the washes. There is no maintenance to this road, and very seldom is it driven. If a vehicle were to become disabled or stuck, no one is coming for weeks or months, and there is no cell service. This is the escalating factor of the north end of the park.
History
This road connected the old Ranch house at Chupadera Springs to the pens at Alamo Creek.
