Ajo Scenic loop

 

If you are in Ajo, AZ. The second thing you should do (the first is always hit the visitor center or town museum) is take in the Ajo scenic loop.  The loop covers a good bit of unimproved road so it is a slow go but the views are worth it.  You start in downtown Ajo (at the visitor’s center) so before you go on the loop, get out and take a walk through some of the shops.  The loop is designed to take you around the perimeter of the old copper mine.  You will go by the Ajo Historical Museum and the Ajo Mine museum.  If Bob is working at the mine museum you have a wealth of information since he was a former mine employee.  The mine museum is also the closest you will get to the mine – and it is impressive.  The scenic loop takes you through some picturesque desert and you will see pull-offs along the dirt road.  When we went many were filled with boondocking RVers, I’m guessing for the Fiddle Fest.  There is also signage that reminds you how close you are to the Mexican border.   

Make sure you have a map (get it at the visitor’s center) of the scenic loop as it is not well marked and some of it is off the beaten path.  You don’t need Special Forces land navigations skills as the street names are marked at every intersection but some of the roads are long and you can feel left in the middle of nowhere (which is actually a good description).  

When the loop brings you back into the center of town take note of the art work on the buildings including the Artists Alley. 

This is where a good portion of the building artwork is done.  When you are at the Visitor’s Center make sure to check the area Schedule of Events.