AJO, ARIZONA
Gateway to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Flanked by the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife refuge on the west, and Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation to the east, Ajo is a small historic town in Pima County that serves as the gateway community to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument which sits on the Sonora, Mexico border. Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran desert, Ajo welcomes visitors with historic charm, diverse flora and fauna, spectacular desert scenery, and vibrant sunrises and sunsets.
Once a bustling copper-mining town, today Ajo is a peaceful place to explore. Visitors can enjoy historical and architectural sites, art, golf and outdoor activities, nature trails, bird watching and wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and annual events. Built in 1917, the Spanish Colonial Revival style historic Plaza is the hub of the town, providing a place to relax in the park, shop, and dine. The Plaza is also home to the Ajo Historic Train Depot, which is now home to the Ajo District Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center. With over 100 historic homes and buildings to view on a walking tour, Ajo’s downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. One of the most impressive structures besides the Plaza, is the historic Curley School which was originally built in 1919 as Ajo’s public school. It is an exquisite Moorish-style building that is owned by the International Sonoran Desert Alliance, and is home to artist residences and studios, and community gardens. Along with the town’s sustainable and community gardens, Ajo is also designated a Certified Wildlife Habitat. If you want to learn more about Ajo’s history and mining past, you can visit the Ajo Historical Museum which is within the St. Catherine’s Indian Mission. You can also check out the New Cornelia Mine Lookout, which was once one the largest copper mines in the world. Ajo is also home to the Eric Marcus Municipal Airport, which is adjacent to the Ajo Community Golf Course. This airport served as a flying and fixed gunnery training facility for American fighter pilots during WWII.
Local Highlights include: The Plaza, Ajo Community Golf Course, Ajo Historical Museum, International Sonoran Desert Alliance, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.
Regional Highlights include: Painted Rock Petroglyph Site (approx. 68 miles), Kitt Peak National Observatory (approx. 103 miles), Picacho Peak State Park (approx. 127 miles), Saguaro National Park (approx. 125 miles), and Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (approx. 130 miles).
Nearby Cities include: Sonoyta, Mexico (approx. 40 miles), Gila Bend (44 miles), Casa Grande (approx. 108 miles), Phoenix (approx. 113 miles), Tucson (approx. 135 miles), Yuma (approx. 158 miles).
Nearest Airports include: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (approx. 115 miles).Tucson International Airport (approx. 132 miles), and Yuma International Airport (approx. 157 miles).
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