Plan Your Trip

Location:
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is located in southern Arizona near Ajo, along the US and Mexico border.

Driving Directions from Phoenix:
From Phoenix, follow I-10 east to Casa Grand. Take I-8 west to AZ Hwy 85. Take AZ Hwy 85 south through Ajo and Why. The monument is 22 miles (35.4 km) south of Why, Arizona.

Recreation:
The visitor center, is the best source of park information. It has books, brochures, maps, exhibits and slide shows. Park rangers are there to talk over plans and interests with you. Schedules of guided walks, talks and other programs are posted in the winter. When you are ready to begin your desert explorations, you will find scenic drives and hiking trails just short distances away. Leashed pets may be taken on two trails only (Campground Perimeter Trail and Palo Verde Trail). Otherwise, pets are not allowed on the trails or in the backcountry.

If you visit between October and April, you can expect sunny days in the 60s and 70s F and occasional light rains. From May through September temperatures often exceed 105 F and brief, violent thunderstorms sometimes occur. Nights are considerably cooler than days year-round.

Camping:
Alamo Campground is open all year. This is a primitive campground with a pit toilet (no water). Four sites available on a first come/first served basis (no reservations). Required permit is available at the visitor center. Cost: $6 per site per night. Tents, Pickup w/ camper, or Vans only. No RVs or pull behind trailers. No generators.

Twin Peaks Campground is open all year. 208 campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis. Cost: $10.00 per night or $5.00 w/ Golden Age or Golden Access card. Length of RV unit is not to exceed 35 feet. Generator hours 12 noon to 4 pm only. Water, rest rooms, grills, tables, and a dump station are available. Fires are permitted in grills, but wood gathering is prohibited. Designated sites for tents and smaller RV's (w/o generator) are available. There is a 14 day limit during peak season (Nov.15 - April 15). Maximum 28 days per calendar year.

Facilities:
Various exhibits in the Visitor Center include a herbarium corner, photographic panels, a touch table and dioramas on the Sonoran Desert. Other facilities include a Western National Parks Association Bookstore.

Required Permits:
Overnight backcountry hiking requires a $3 permit that can be obtained at the visitor center.

Safety:
When on the road, visitors should carry emergency tools, take ample drinking and extra water for vehicles. They should stay away from flooded areas and never drive off the road. When hiking, visitors should take one gallon of water per person, per day. Avoid overexertion and overexposure to the sun. Watch out for desert plants with thorny spines. Watch for rattlesnakes.

Maps and more information:

Organ Pipe Cactus Overview/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Facilities/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Camping/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Fees/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Maps/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Nearby Attractions/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Permits/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Weather/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Accessibility/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Activities/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Facts/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus For Kids/NPSl

Organ Pipe Cactus Nature/NPS

Organ Pipe Cactus Plan Your Visit/NPS

Managing Agency:
National Park Service
10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321-9626
Visitor Information
520-387-6849

 

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