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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321-9626
Phone: (520) 387-6849
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. In addition, many creatures have been able to
adapt themselves to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight and
little rainfall.
15-minute slide
program in auditorium available throughout the day from 8:00 am to
4:30 pm.
Two scenic loop
roads -- the Ajo Mountain Drive and the Puerto Blanco Drive --
penetrate desert country. Both are winding, up-and-down graded dirt
roads. Passenger vehicles can travel them easily, but if you are
driving a motor home more than 25 feet long, you should not travel
these unpaved roads. Even some small motor homes have difficulty, so
check with a ranger first. The park does not recommend trailers on
these roads. Guidebooks are available at the visitor center and at
the start of both drives. When on the road: carry emergency tools;
take drinking water and extra water for your vehicle; stay away from
flooded areas; and never drive off the road. Ramadas and picnic
areas are located in scenic spots on both drives.
The 21-mile Ajo
Mountain Drive winds along the foothills of the Ajo Mountains, the
highest range in the area. Outstanding desert landscapes and
impressive stands of organ pipe cactus are among the highlights of
this tour. The drive takes about two hours.
The 53-mile Puerto
Blanco Drive circles the colorful Puerto Blanco Mountains and passes
through a startling variety of scenery. Around one corner, you will
find the desert oasis of Quitobaquito, while around another you will
find a true Sonoran Desert environment, with saguaros, organ pipe
cacti, and elephant trees. This trip takes half a day.
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