Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument celebrates the life and landscape of the Sonoran Desert. In this desert wilderness, you may drive a lonely road, hike a backcountry trail, camp beneath a clear desert sky, marvel at magnificent cactus, or soak in the warmth and beauty of the Southwest. This desert wild is yours to discover.
The Basics
Hours:
The Kris Eggle Visitor Center is open daily from 8am to 5pm Mountain Standard time.
We are closed all federal holidays between April 1 and December 31. However, even if the Kris Eggle Visitor Center is closed, the remainder of the park is open 24 hours a day, including all holidays. The campgrounds, roads and trails are subject to periodic closures. Please check with the Kris Eggle Vistor Center for more information.
Address:
10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321
Phone:
520-387-6849
Phone:
520-387-6849
Map
Directions
The monument is located along the US/Mexican Border, south of Ajo, west of Tucson, and east of Yuma.
From the North Follow AZ Hwy 85 through Ajo and Why. The Monument is 22 miles (35.4 km) south of Why.
From the East Follow AZ Hwy 86 to Why, then turn south on AZ Hwy 85.
From the West Follow I-8 to Gila Bend or I-10 to Buckeye, then turn south on AZ Hwy 85.
From Mexico Drive on Mexico Route 2 to Sonoyta, then north to Lukeville.
Climate
Where summer spends the winter... warm days (60s F) and chilly nights (40s F) are common during the late fall to early spring, with occasional rains. Most of our visitation happens between December and March. Consistent winter rains will produce gorgeous spring wildflowers. Early summer days are hot and dry with temperatures in the 100s and humidity below 10%. Late summer monsoons bring fantastic lighting and furious thunderstorms. Temperatures drop to 90s, however the humidity increases. Plan on getting up early and taking an afternoon siesta in the shade if you plan to visit us in the summertime.
$8.00 per vehicle for 7 days Twin Peaks campground is $12 each night.
Things To Do
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is literally a land of opportunities. Depending on when you visit and how “hardy” you feel, activities range from the leisurly to the vigorous.
Most visitors come to enjoy the warmth that winter here has to offer. During the months of December, January and February, day-time highs can be in the mid-60s to mid-70s. Night time lows can be chilly, down in the 30s. Not too bad, considering the folks up north are shoveling snow that time of year. Use the links at the top of this section to see what options may be available to you during your visit with us.
For Kids
Join the ranks of Junior Rangers world wide!!! When you get to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, stop into the Kris Eggle Visitor Center and say "I want to be a Junior Ranger!
The nice people behind the desk will hand you a booklet with fun activities that will help you teach your parents all about then Sonoran Desert and the plants and animals who call this place home.
When done, come back to the visitor center with your completed book, and you will be officially welcomed as a Junior Ranger.
Outdoor Camping
Back Country
Due to an increase in illegal border activity, all backcountry areas are closed indefinitely to both hiking and overnight camping. Please check with the staff at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for current information.
Those in search of adventure would do well to consider hiking in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument's extensive wilderness. It is not for faint of heart. There are no trails and no camping places designated in our wilderness, the routes are yours to discover. The sunsets, star-scapes, and sunrises can be yours alone. All it takes is a couple gallons of water, good boots, a map, a compass, some food, a sleeping bag and a way to carry it all on your back. Oh, and you need to stop at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for a permit, just so we know where you are going.
Permits cost $5 and there are staff willing to help you plan your hike. Some areas of the monument are closed to overnight use. (Let's face it, we are on the Mexican border and that can be problematic for those looking for nighttime solitude). Other areas are wide open, with very little chance of having to share your moments with anyone else.
For those of you who like to plan ahead. Look to the Ajo Mountains, north of the Bull Pasture for excellent backcountry opportunities.
There are miles and miles of trails laced around Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Some are easy, others are strenuous, most of them fall somewhere in between. Some of the best hiking is off the beaten trails and out in the canyons with a map and compass to guide you. If you are feeling adventurous, backcountry camping in the wilderness area is available. Feel free to ask at the Kris Eggle Visitor for staff favorites, route information and permits.
Hiking trails that are open and easily accessible:
Scenic Drives: The easiest way to see the splendor of this park is to take a scenic drive.
Our most popular is the Ajo Mountain Drive. It is a 21 mile, mostly gravel, road usually passable by normal passenger car. RV's over 24 feet are definitely not recommended, due to the twisting and dipping nature of the road. Consider purchasing the ever-popular Ajo Mountain Road Guidebook sold in the bookstore for $1.00, before heading out on the adventure.
During the winter and early spring (January-March) guided van tours are available, be sure to sign up at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for your seat on the van.
The Puerto Blanco Drive is the other popular road in the park. This road has been reconstructed to support two-way traffic for the first five miles on the north end of the loop, this provides access to the Pinkley Peak Picnic Area. Several stops along the way provide wonderful views and information on the ecology and culture of the Sonoran Desert. Be advised that the remainder of the road, including the South Puerto Blanco road in its entirety and Pozo Nuevo roads remain closed.
Biking: Bikes are allowed on all roads open to vehicle traffic.
The Ajo Mountain Drive (21 miles) is a popular biking road, many choose to go opposite the flow of traffic. Please bike defensively, many drivers are looking out the windows at the beautiful scenery and may not be expecting a bicyclist. Be advised that there are no hiking trails open to bicycling. Please also carry a way to secure your bicycle, if you plan on leaving it for any period of time, anywhere in the monument.
