Cactus Crawl - AJO UTV Run

A huge thank you to the American Legion Post 10 in Ajo for hosting and supporting our Cactus Crawl event. Their long-standing role in the community as a gathering place for veterans and locals alike made our weekend extra special, and we truly appreciate their hospitality and support. The Cactus Crawl in Ajo, Arizona was a weekend to remember.

Ajo is a small historic mining town nestled in the Sonoran Desert, located about 130 miles southwest of Phoenix and approximately 40 miles from the Mexico border. Nearby towns include Why (10 miles), Gila Bend (40 miles north), Lukeville, and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Rich in copper-mining history, Ajo is also known for its Spanish-style architecture and historic churches, including Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a long-standing centerpiece of the town. Deep Mexican and Native American influences shape the culture and character of the community.

Event highlights:

• 80 miles of riding on Saturday
• 50 miles of riding on Sunday
• 80-degree desert weather
• 21 UTVs riding together as one group
• Hosted alongside the Chu-Chu Club (American Citizens Social Club)

Saturday - East Side Ride

Saturday took us to the east side of Ajo, riding near the Barry M. Goldwater Range (Ajo East), outside of active military operations. The terrain offered a perfect mix of history and classic Sonoran Desert riding:

• Endless saguaros
• Flowy trails and washes
• Old corrals and expansive mountain ranges
• A hill climb that tested both machines and drivers
• Train tracks and a switch shack
• Incomplete rock houses scattered through the desert
• Historic military remnants including old vehicles, tanks with missiles, and a concrete “mushroom” table with a fire pit
• Wildlife sightings included antelope. Riders traveled from as far as Virginia, we celebrated our oldest participant at 79 years young, and Lee Banning was crowned the poker run winner.

Saturday evening concluded with a traditional Mexican dinner hosted by the Chu-Chu Club. During dinner, we held awards, a raffle, and announced the poker winner. A portion of the proceeds was donated to the Ajo High School Scholarship Fund, supporting the local town that welcomed us so warmly. In a rare and proud moment, no Dumb Ass Award was handed out on Saturday - a true testament to solid riding and good decision-making.

Sunday - West Side Exploration

Sunday’s 50-mile ride showcased a completely different landscape on the west side:

• Organ Pipe cacti lining the trails
• Twisting, flowy desert routes
• Sandy sections and wide sand washes
• Windmills, water tanks, and horse corrals
• Passed by a cemetery in the desert

A massive turquoise-colored rock tied to local Ajo lore and the town’s history, including stories of a well-known town thief. While no awards were officially handed out on Sunday, it’s worth noting that someone could have received the Dumb Ass Award for forgetting to fuel up before the ride - a repeat recipient of this prestigious honor.

At the conclusion of Sunday’s ride, the group convened at Fat Cactus at the Plaza in Ajo for refreshments, conversation, and one last chance to relive the weekend together.

This run was about more than just miles - it was about history, community, adventure, humor, and giving back while exploring one of Arizona's most unique desert regions.

For more info visit: www.utvoffroadadventures.com