Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument celebrates the life and landscape of the Sonoran Desert. Here, in this desert wilderness of plants and animals and dramatic mountains and plains scenery, you can drive a lonely road, hike a backcountry trail, camp beneath a clear desert sky, or just soak in the warmth and beauty of the Southwest. The Monument exhibits an extraordinary collection of plants of the Sonoran Desert, including the organ pipe cactus, a large cactus rarely found in the United States. There are also many creatures that have been able to adapt themselves to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight and little rainfall.
The visitor will also find historic sites such as traces of a historic trail, the Camino del Diablo, old windmills, ranch houses, abandoned gold and silver mines and other remnants of the past.
Nature & Science
Geology
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument lies in an area of wide alluvial basins separated by steep mountain ranges. Elevations range from 981 feet in the Southwest corner of the monument to 4800 feet at the top of Mt. Ajo, the highest peak in the monument. The mountains are all volcanic in origin and make an excellent stop for students studying the geology of the Southwest. Another natural feature in the monument are the rare springs that bring life to the desert. Quitobaquito springs are the most easily visited and the largest in the monument. These wetland areas contain a diversity of plants and also attract wildlife from the surrounding desert.
Ecology
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument exhibits an extraordinary collection of plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. This is a showcase for creatures who have adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures. Intense sunlight and little rainfall that characterize this Southwest region. Formost among the desert dwellers who have mastered the harsh environment are the cacti. Altogether 26 species inhabit the monument, including the saguaro, and, of course, the monument’s nanesake, the organ pipe cactus.
As a protected area, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument allows the life of the Sonoran Desert to flourish under nearly ideal wilderness conditions. The monument is an outstanding natural preserve where one of the of the Earth’s major ecosystems survives almost unspoiled. Recognizing its significance, the United Nations in 1976 designated the momument as an International Biosphere Reserve. Conservation and scientific research, including studies of human impact on the desert, will be invaluable in protecting the life of the desert.
Recreation
Camping
The are 208 campsites are available at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. All of these campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis all year. Private campgrounds are located in Lukeville, Why and Ajo.
Getting There
From the North
Follow AZ 85 through Ajo and Why. The Monument is 22 miles south of Why.
From the East
Follow AZ 86 to Why, then turn south on AZ 85.
From the West
Follow Interstate 8 to Gila Bend or Interstate 10 to Buckeye, then turn south on AZ 85.
From Mexico
Drive on Mexico Route 2 to Sonoyta, then north to Lukeville.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321-9626
Phone: 520-387-6849
Operating Hours & Seasons
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is open year-round.
Permits
A permit is required for the primitive campground and for backcountry camping. The permits are available at the visitor center.
Visitor Center
The small Visitor Center has a 15 minute slide program in auditorium and a museum with slide exhibits.
Weather/Climate
November to April is mild and usually sunny. May to October is hot, with daytime temperatures over 100 degrees F.
There are two rainy periods yearly. From December through March there are usually gentle rains. However, thunderstorms likely during August and September. Rain gear is recommended during these periods.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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