Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
AZ
Park Alerts (3)
About Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Look closely. Look again. The sights and sounds of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, an International Biosphere Reserve, reveal a thriving community of plants and animals.
Human stories echo throughout the Sonoran Desert, chronicling thousands of years of desert living. A wilderness hike, a scenic drive, or a night of camping will expose you to a living desert abounding with hidden life.
Things To Do
Showing 6 of 19
Hike the Historic Old County Road!
Enjoy scenic views along an 8-mile one-way hike as you explore a historic wagon road through the Sonoran Desert!
Hike the Estes Canyon/Bull Pasture Loop
The moderate Estes Canyon trail provides ample wildlife and wildflower viewing opportunities while a steep, strenuous climb up the Bull Pasture spur trail will reward visitors with spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert.
Hike the Senita Basin Loop
Easy loop trail located in a low elevation area on the south side of the Puerto Blanco Mountains. This lush basin is one of the few places you can see all three of the park’s columnar cacti coexisting: saguaro, organ pipes, and the senita cacti. The most impressive groves of senita cacti are along the road into Senita Basin and near the trailhead.
Drive the Ajo Mountain Loop
The Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21-mile (34 km) graded, one-way dirt road that gives visitors an excellent overview of the landscape and flora or Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The drive takes approximately 2 hours, and has been designed so that a passenger car, driven with caution, may be taken over it safely. Trailers, buses and RVs over 25 ft (8 m) are prohibited on the drive. Several hikes and backcountry camping can be accessed from this drive.
Hike to Lost Cabin
Looking for a lengthier hike that showcases Organ Pipe’s mining history? This 8 mile (12.9 kilometers) round-trip hike includes the Victoria Mine site and an old stone mining house known as Lost Cabin.
Hike to Victoria Mine
Experience Organ Pipe’s mining history by hiking to Victoria Mine, one of the oldest prospecting sites in southwest Arizona and the heart of gold and silver mining in the Organ Pipe area.
Available Activities
Weather
Summer months are hot, with temperatures exceeding 100F during the day and night-time temperatures in the high 70's. Winter months are milder, with temperatures in the 70s during the day and 30's to 40's in the evening.
Getting There
The Kris Eggle Visitor Center is located on Highway 85 approximately 25 miles south of Why, AZ and 5 miles north of Lukeville, AZ, just before the US-Mexico Border.
Plan Your Visit
Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument with AI-powered itineraries.
Hours
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
The monument is open 365 days a year and park roads and trails are open 24 hours. There is no gate at the monument entrance; entrance fees are paid for at the visitor center. There is no dispersed camping allowed anywhere in the monument. US-Mexico Border hours are 6 am-8 pm. The main season for visitors is December through the end of April, during the mild winter months and wildflower season. Campgrounds may fill during this time; check Recreation.gov for campsite availability.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Valid for 7 days. This fee includes all occupants of a non-commercial vehicle.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
Valid for 7 days. This fee applies to bicycles and walk-ins (per person)
