Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

More untouched and lush (for a desert that is) than more easily accessed American SW desert parks, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was created to protect its namesake, the organ pipe cactus, the monument being the largest concentration of the plant in the United States. It is in the extreme southern portion of Arizona. The visitor's center is less than 10 miles (16 km) from the Mexican border. The nearest large population centers are Tucson and Yuma, both over 150 mi from the monument, though several small towns with gas stations, hotels, and groceries are near the NORTHERN borders of the park, and other towns near the southern edge, if you want to drive across the Mexican border (the single US highway into the park continues directly into Mexico).

• Kris Eggle Visitor Center

  phone: +1 520-387-6849
  address: 10 Organ Pipe Dr

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Though named for the Organ Pipe Cactus - the park has far more Saguaro cactus than those of the Organ Pipe variety - in far higher concentrations than say - Saguaro Cactus National Park, also of Arizona. In essence, the park is a relatively lush and untouched American SW desert environment, with a far higher concentration of cacti and other desert plants than perhaps anywhere else in the American SW - with a decent and best in US, but not exactly overwhelming (this is the northern end of its range), number of Organ Pipe Cacti interspersed.

Climate

The only viable method to reach the park is via car. Arizona Highway 85 leads south into the monument. There is no public transit into the monument.
The nearest major airports are in Phoenix and Tucson.

The entrance fee is $8 per vehicle, or $4 for individuals. Entrance fees are valid for seven days. There is also an annual pass that allows access to the park for one year for $20.

There is no public transit in the monument. Private vehicles or hiking are the only options for getting around.

• Evening programs

  address: Twin Peaks Campground
  Several evenings a week, talks are given at the campground on a wide variety ot topics. Check with the Kris Eggle Visitor Center or the Twin Peaks Campground for dates and topics.

• Patio talks

  address: Kriss Eggle Visitor Center
  20-30 minute talks on a variety of topics related to the history, geology, plants, and animals of the monument. Check with the Visitor Center for topics.

• Ajo Mountain DriveA 21-mile drive through one of the most scenic areas of the park, into the hills and back down again. The road is mostly gravel or dirt, but is passable and often frequented by passenger cars. RVs 24 ft or longer are not recommended.

• Ajo Mountain Van TourRangers provide a guided tour on the Ajo Mountain Drive, stopping at several areas along the way to get out and explore. The tour is limited to 10 people per day, so sign up in advance with rangers at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center or Twin Peaks Campground. 3-3.5 hours

• BikingBikes are allowed on all roads open to vehicular traffic but are not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry.

• GeocachingGeocaching is a sort of scavenger hunt using a GPS receiver to locate the hidden item. Organ Pipe is one of the few units in the National Park system to allow this hobby. Two geocaches are listed as being in the monument.

• Guided HikesRanger led walks around the monument. Check the Kris Eggle Visitor Center or the Twin Peaks Campground for dates and times.

• HikingTrails range from short, handicapped accessible trails to long, wild trails into the hinterlands of the park. Remember that portions of the park are restricted so be sure to check with the Visitor Center for trail closures and before starting an off-trail hike. Below are a few of the trails available:

• Alamo Canyon Trail
• Arch Canyon Trail (Ajo Mountain area)
• Bull Pasture Trail (Ajo Mountain area)
• Campground perimeter trail (pet friendly)
• Desert View Trail
• Estes Canyon Trail (Ajo Mountain area)
• Palo Verde Trail (pet friendly)
• Victoria Mine Trail, please stay on the trail
• Visitor Center Nature Trail

Puerto Blanco DriveAnother car tour featuring roadside displays on the ecology of the Sonoran Desert.

Visitor Center Nature WalkA short walk with explanatory signs, and some notable (for size mostly) cacti, accessed from doors leading from the Visitor's Center. For basic photos ops, it probably beats most of the more rugged corners of the park.

Lodging

There is no lodging in the monument. Ajo and other smaller towns are with 30 minutes of the park.

Camping

• Alamo Campground4 tent sites, no water. Reservation only, made in the Kris Eggle Visitor Center on the first day of the visit.

• Twin Peaks campgroundTents and RVs up to 40 ft, no hookups. Running water from standpipes and in restrooms.

Backcountry

Due to border security concerns, the backcountry is closed indefinitely.

The monument is a remote, desert wilderness. Be sure to carry plenty of water both in your car and while hiking and drink regularly, even if not thirsty. If your car breaks down, stay with your car rather than attempting to find help on foot. It is much easier to find a vehicle in the desert than a person.
As mentioned above, the monument is on the U.S.-Mexico border. Due to the remoteness of the monument, it is used for illegal border crossings. Most of the persons illegally crossing present no threat to park visitors. However, there are some who use the monument for smuggling who are armed and dangerous. In 2002, a park ranger was shot and killed by a drug smuggler. The Kris Eggle Visitor Center has been named in his honor.
Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activities to park rangers or border patrol officers.