Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Comment On This Article

Add to My Favorites

Contact Details
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321-9626
Phone: (520) 387-6849
Web Site: www.nps.gov/orpi

Planning Your Trip
The visitor center, your best source of park information, 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.

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

Location
Organ Pipe is in southwest Arizona, 100 miles west of Tucson.

Directions
Go west from Tucson on highway 86, then south on highway 85.

Camping and Picnicking
The monument campground, open all year on a first-come, first-served basis, has water, restrooms, grills, tables, dump station, and an amphitheater, where evening programs are presented in the winter. Camping fees are collected. Fires are permitted in grills, but wood gathering is prohibited. Private campgrounds are located in Lukeville and Why. If you prefer primitive camping, you can stay at a backcountry campground. Pick up a camping permit at the visitor center. Picnic areas are on the Ajo Mountain Drive and Puerto Blanco Drive. Most have tables and pit toilets, some have shade, but only the visitor center picnic area has water.

Area Lodging and Services
Motels, gasoline, groceries, trailer parks, laundries, and other services are in Lukeville and Why. Ajo, Arizona, and Sonoyta, Mexico, have a wider range of lodgings and services.

Visiting Mexico
U.S. Customs officials in Lukeville can assist you with information on tourist cards, car permits and insurance, and other matters pertaining to traveling to Mexico.