Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument — Attraction in Four Corners States

We got to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in the early afternoon and first stopped at the Visitor Center. We got information on what to do and then went on to setup camp. We camped for the next two nights at Twin Peaks Campground. The campsites have no electrical hookups. Water and vault toilets are available.

It was beautiful Arizona winter weather and we enjoyed the sparsely populated campsite.

The next morning long-time friends of ours showed up at the park and we took one of the scenic routes in the park – Ajo Mountain Drive. The two of us climbed into their truck with the two of them and their large dog and we went exploring. Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21-mile scenic drive through the monument.

We were able to see several of the namesake cacti – Organ Pipe Cactus, as well as Saguaro, Ocotillo, Cholla, and others. There had been several winter rains and some of the desert flowers were out in force!

We finished the drive, had a BBQ, some beers and then they had to leave.

The next morning, we broke camp and drove to the South Puerto Blanco Drive. This is a very large loop and we did not have enough time to do the complete loop.

The monument property borders the US-Mexico border and the road we were on, was just yards away from the border in spots! Border Patrol agents were out and about and even a helicopter buzzed by on occasion! Our destination for our drive was Quitobaquito Springs.

Quitobaquito Springs was a water source for the early residents of the area – the Native American tribe Tohono O'odham. This was also a stopping point for travelers in the area.

Quitobaquito Springs is a small-spring fed pond that supports desert wildlife in the area. It is home to the small and endangered Quitobaquito pupfish, and we were able to see many of those fish. The pupfish swim in the pond and in a tiny stream that feeds the pond.

The pond also supports migratory birds for a portion of their long journeys.

Our trip to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was a great adventure. We got to see ancient painted rocks, saw scenic desert views and spring flowers with friends, and got to explore a desert...

The Green Desert for sure!

Returned to camp, hike, and photograph in OPCNM after having a drive through about 10 years ago. Marveled at how green it is!

We tent-camped at Alamo Canyon and liked the location, then drove to the south every day, but one (d'oh). The "primitive" camp is comfortable with nice flat tent pads. The sites are well spread out, and each has a standing grill and picnic table. The vault toilet was very clean and well stocked during our stay. The bulletin board was updated regularly with program information. We had a rainy night (half an inch!). The campsite drained perfectly and the desert drank it up!

We hiked and enjoyed: Alamo Canyon trail and all over the basin, Arch Rock trail with Ranger Frank, Red Tanks and Baker Mine with Ranger Alex, Desert View trail at the end of the day, Palo Verde Trail, the Visitor Center garden tour with Ranger Bethany.

Docent Don gave a terrific evening program about the web of life (Our Delicate Desert). Another docent offered solar viewing on the Visitor Center patio.

All the rangers, volunteers, and staff were welcoming and friendly. We drove the Ajo Mountain loop every afternoon looking for the best light and were not disappointed. I wish there were a few more pullouts where we could stop and explore a landscape, but that's my only complaint.

The Twin Peaks Campground looks plush and the amphitheater has a great projection system. We would have gone every night, but it's a long drive back to Alamo after the 7pm program when you haven't had dinner yet.

This is a very dark park, so the stars show off! Thanks to the Park Service for keeping down the local light pollution.

We'll be back for the spring bloom!

Bring your annual or lifetime National Parks Pass for free entry and discounted camp fees.

Be sure to click on the photos. Some are vertical and get cropped in...

Now, being an NPS unit isn't a competition, but I want to start by saying, if you have limited time and you want to visit a Sonoran Desert Park, skip the slightly more famous Saguaro National Park and instead head to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

Saguaro NP has Saguaros. Don't get me wrong, I love a saguaro. No plant can be at once so majestic and so goofy looking. But Organ Pipe also has Saguaros. The whole region has saguaros! However, Organ Pipe NM is the only place in the US where the organ pipe cactus grows naturally. It's two large cacti for the price of one!

You come to OPCNM for the organ pipe cactus and all it's other cactus friends, but you stay for the brilliant rugged rhyolite cliffs that make up the Ajo Mountain Loop. It's a fantastic drive, and all the best hiking starts at trailheads along this loop. It's primarily a dirt road, but the first time I ever did it was in a 10 year old Honda Fit so don't be intimidated by a few bumpy sections.

Now you should be warned, the closest town to Organ Pipe is Ajo, and they have incredibly limited dining options. If you are the sort of traveler that likes the idea of being able to finish at a National Park and be in your hotel pool 20 minutes later, I'll direct you back towards Saguaro NP. Please also be aware that if you drive to Organ Pipe NM you will likely have to stop at an immigration point. If that would cause you legal trouble or otherwise be vexing, you may want to skip this park.

Finally, keep in mind that May-September it is very dangerous to hike in the Sonoran Desert

However, when the weather is nice and you have the road-tripping spirit in you then Organ Pipe will deliver desert vistas that will truly...