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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

»Contact Information
»Getting There
»Weather
»Activities
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. Acreage: 330,688.86; Federal: 329,316.31; Non-federal: 1,372.55. Wilderness area: 312,600.


Contact Information

10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321-9626
520-387-6849 - Visitor Information
520-387-7661 x7305 - VIP Coordinator
520-387-7661 x7306 - WNPA Bookstore Mgr.
520-387-7661 x7303 - SCA Coordinator


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Getting There

By Plane
Nearby airports are in Phoenix and Tuscon, than by private vehicle.

By Car
From the north: follow AZ 85 through Ajo and Why. The Monument is 22 miles (35.4 km) south of Why. From the east: follow AZ 86 to Why, then turn south on AZ 85. From the west: follow I-8 to Gila Bend or I-10 to Buckeye, then turn south on AZ 85. From Mexico: drive on Mexico Route 2 to Sonoyta, then north to Lukeville.

By Plane
None available.

Getting Around
No rentals or public transportation available in area. Access is by foot, cycle or private vehicle. During the winter season motorized tours of the scenic drives are offered on a regular basis.

Weather

Nov.-Apr. is mild and usually sunny, May-Oct. is hot, with daytime temperatures over 100 degrees F. Two rainy periods yearly - December through March there are usually gentle rains; thunderstorms likely during August and September. Rain gear is recommended during these periods.


Activities

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.
thebackpacker.com If you want more information about backpacking and hiking, give thebackpacker.com a try. From backpacking gear reviews, hiking trail reviews and much more, it covers all aspects of wilderness travel.
  • Auto Touring
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Educational Programs
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Wilderness Area
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Backpacking
  • Bird Watching
  • Nature Walks
  • Stargazing

Recommended Activities
Depending on the time available, plan to take one of the scenic drives and get out of your vehicle for a short walk either at a point of interest on the drive, or on one of the trails near the visitor center or campground. Spend some time in the museum and be sure to view the 15 minute slide program in the visitor center auditorium.


 
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Find Hiking and Biking Trails
If you like to go hiking or biking, then don't forget to get a map and guidebook. Trails.com offers a great service that allows unlimited downloads of trail guides for a small monthly fee. They even have a 14 day free trial. Whether you are looking for day hikes, backpacking trails, mountain bike routes or just short nature stroll, they cover it all. So let Trails.com help plan your next outing.
RV Information
Are you planning on traveling with your RV? If you are, you should check out the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club offers discounts on camping, a free magazine subscription and great tips on traveling with your RV. You can also get a free no-obligation RV Insurance quote . Give them a look and enjoy your trip.
Gear Up For Your Trip
Once you have finished deciding where to go, it will be time to gear up. A great place for adventure travel gear is The National Geographic Store. They have all types of maps and guides to help finalize your vacation plans.