El Camino del Diablo — Ajo to Lukeville via the Sonoran Desert Volcanic Corridor

El Camino del Diablo — the Devil’s Highway — is one of the oldest and most lethal desert trails in North America. Running roughly 130 miles across the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range in southwestern Arizona, the route traces an Old Spanish Trail used since the 17th century that claimed hundreds of lives from thirst alone. The terrain is classic Sonoran Desert: volcanic basalt flats, sandy washes, saguaro-studded bajadas, and the eerie lava fields of the Pinacate volcanic complex visible across the Mexican border. Key waypoints include Tinajas Altas — the natural rock tanks that were the only water source for 80 miles and where thirsty travellers died in piles trying to reach them — and the ruins of El Puerto, a historic waystation. The military airspace overhead means jets occasionally rip past at low altitude. You will not see another vehicle for days.

High-clearance 4WD is required — deep sand washes and rocky lava crossings are the norm, not the exception. This is a Difficult to Expert run depending on recent wash conditions. A Cabeza Prieta NWR entry permit is required (free, self-issued online) and the Goldwater Range military permit requires advance coordination. Carry a minimum of 5 gallons of water per person — there is no water on the route. Satellite communicator is non-negotiable. Best season is November through March; summer temperatures exceed 120°F and people die. This is the real desert, unchanged since those first Spanish boots crossed it.