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.
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 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.
Ranger conducted activities are generally available January through March. These activities include evening programs, ranger-led walks to various points of interest and informative patio talks at the visitor center. Activities can be scheduled for other times of the year or for groups by contacting the Division of Interpretation. A 15 minute slide program is available throughout the day from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
CAMPING:
Alamo Campground - Open All Year
Primitive campground with 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 - 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.