Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, located in southern Arizona, is a stunning desert landscape that draws visitors from around the world. This national monument covers 330,688 acres and is situated near the Mexican border, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.

The area that is now Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It is home to the Tohono O'odham people, who have lived in the region for centuries and continue to have a strong cultural connection to the land. The monument’s name comes from the Organ Pipe Cactus, a rare and iconic plant found in the area.

Visitors to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument can engage in a variety of activities to explore and appreciate the desert landscape. Hiking and nature trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of the Sonoran Desert, offering opportunities to spot various cacti species, desert wildflowers, and unique wildlife, including the park’s namesake cactus. The remote Ajo Mountain Drive, a 21-mile scenic road, showcases panoramic views, rugged mountains, and stunning rock formations.

For those interested in the cultural history of the area, the Kris Eggle Visitor Center provides insights into the park's natural and cultural resources through exhibits, films, and educational programs. The center also offers ranger-led activities, including guided walks and evening programs, providing visitors with an in-depth understanding of the region's history and ecology.

Nearby, the historic town of Ajo offers further exploration opportunities. With its charming blend of Mexican and American influences, it provides a glimpse into the area's past with its mining heritage and striking architecture. Visitors can admire the beautifully restored Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings, explore local art galleries, and enjoy delicious Southwestern cuisine.

Overall, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, rich cultural history, and outdoor recreation. Whether hiking, wildlife spotting, or immersing oneself in the local heritage, visitors are sure to be enchanted by this incredible desert landscape.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is situated in the southern part of the state of Arizona, United States. Nestled along the Mexican border, this remarkable national park spans across over 330,000 acres of diverse desert terrain. The monument is found within the western region of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. Its location in the heart of the Sonoran Desert grants visitors the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent display of towering cacti, including the namesake organ pipe cactus. As one immerses themselves in this arid landscape, they are met with striking mountain ranges, encompassing vistas, and enchanting flora and fauna. Its geographical location also makes it a significant crossroads for migratory pathways, ensuring a continuous ebb and flow of wildlife, creating a truly enchanting natural haven.

Address & Contact

10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321
Driving Directions
Phone: 520-387-6849
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument would be in January, February, or March. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F, with minimum temperatures ranging from 40°F to 47°F. The average monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 0.6 in to 0.9 in. These months offer pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities and attract a moderate number of visitors.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument are: Astronomy Stargazing Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Hiking Front-Country Hiking Backcountry Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Self-Guided Tours - Auto Group Camping RV Camping Horse Camping (see also camping) Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: Animals Birds Groundwater Freshwater Springs Night Sky Archeology Cats (wild) Rock Landscapes and Features Arches Trails Unique Species Wilderness Explorers and Expeditions Schools and Education Mountains Astronomy Scenic Views Rare Endangered Ranches Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Kris Eggle Visitor Center

The Kris Eggle Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit at Organ Pipe Cactus. Rangers there provide orientation to the monument, answer questions, and offer suggestions on how to best enjoy your experience during your time here. Inside is an information desk with maps and guides, an exhibit area where visitors may learn about the Sonoran Desert, and a bookstore. A short nature trail starting behind the visitor center features Quitobaquito pupfish and signs about the life found in the monument.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Kris Eggle Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Alamo Canyon Campground

Alamo Canyon Campground is a secluded, four-site campground nestled against rocky mountains at the mouth of Alamo Canyon. This primitive campground features picnic tables, grills, a tent area at each site, and a vault toilet located near bulletin boards. It is only for tent camping or small car camping; no RVs, trailers or generators are allowed.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Alamo Canyon Camping Fee), 8.00 (Alamo Canyon Campground- Senior/Access Rate)
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Twin Peaks Campground

Twin Peaks Campground is the main, developed campground at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, located 1.5 miles from the Kris Eggle Visitor Center and Highway 85. Twin Peaks Campground has 34 tent-only sites and 174 sites for RVs, and several sites can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length. Restrooms have running water and some have solar-heated showers. Hookups for electricity, water, or sewer are not available. A dump station, with potable water is located past the last row of campsites.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Twin Peaks Campground Fee), 10.00 (Twin Peaks Campground Fee: Senior/ Access Pass), 50.00 (Group Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 208
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Free - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Hotels within or near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

La Siesta Motel & RV Resort

Located in Ajo, La Siesta Motel & RV Resort is a 1-minute drive from Cabeza Preita National Wildlife Refuge and 6 minutes from Ajo Plaza. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2561 North Ajo Gila Bend Highway, Ajo, Arizona 85321
Web: Link

Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center

With a stay at Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center, you'll be centrally located in Ajo, steps from Cabeza Preita National Wildlife Refuge and within a 10-minute walk of Ajo Plaza. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and luggage storage. This hotel has 3 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 55 S Orilla Avenue, Ajo, Arizona 85321
Web: Link

Marine Motel

With a stay at Marine Motel in Ajo, you'll be next to a golf course, just steps from Cabeza Preita National Wildlife Refuge and a 5-minute drive from Ajo Plaza. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1966 North 2nd Avenue, Ajo, Arizona 85321
Web: Link