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cool blue pool by KingLeonidas Quitobaquito Springs is a unique and fascinating spot within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This short, easy trail leads you to a vibrant desert spring ecosystem teeming with life, including the endangered Quitobaquito pupfish.
Logistics/Getting there: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located in southern Arizona, near the Mexican border. The Quitobaquito area is accessible by car via Puerto Blanco drive, which is a one-way scenic loop road within the park. The loop starts at the visitors center and returns to the 85 following the border road. Note: the one-way portion of Puerto Blanco Road has sections that may require a high-clearance vehicle. If there has been recent rains some areas may be even more challenging. While we were there a regular car could easily manage it, it appears to be well-maintained (likely because the border patrol uses it regularly)
The trailhead for Quitobaquito is located at the southwest corner of Puerto Blanco Dr (right where it meets the border road). There is a small parking lot and a sign indicating the direction of the spring and tank. Navigation: The trail to Quitobaquito is short and easy to navigate. It follows a well-defined path from the parking area to the Quitobaquito tank. Weather: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument experiences a desert climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. It's essential to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing, especially during the summer months when temperatures can be extreme. Check the weather forecast before your visit and plan accordingly. Trail Conditions: The trail to Quitobaquito is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. General Comments and Musings: Quitobaquito is a culturally significant site within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, with historical and ecological importance. The area is home to a natural spring that has provided water for thousands of years, attracting diverse wildlife and supporting indigenous communities as well as ranchers. The pool was a brilliant blue and small fish and a turtle were swimming about while we were there. There does seem to be some flood control measures added or maintained recently and a portion of the perimeter was roped off as a result. In any event, this was a cool place to stop if you are driving the Puerto Blanco loop. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
