Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Arizona
December 29-31 2020
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a 517-square-mile park that was set aside in 1937 to preserve a pristine example of Sonoran Desert Habitat. Preserving the northern-most natural habitat of the Organ Pipe Cactus, as well as amazing examples of desert plants, animals, geology, and human history.
The park was created in 1937 as a way to preserve a representative area of the Sonoran Desert. The new monument was part of a movement in the National Parks to protect not just scenic wonders but also the ecological wonders of the country. Over 75 years later, Organ Pipe Cactus is now one of the best preserved examples of the Sonoran Desert wilderness. Within the monument, signs of human use are also preserved and protected. The monument is the site of culture and history that reflect long, widespread and diverse use by American Indian, Mexican, and European groups. The intesection of these of these three cultures is significant archeologically, geographically, and internationally.
When to Visit: warm days (60s F) and chilly nights (40s F) are common during the late fall to early spring, with occasional rains. Most visitation occurs between December and March. Consistent winter rains will produce gorgeous spring wildflowers. Early summer days are hot and dry with temperatures in the 100's and humidity below 10%. Late summer monsoons bring fantastic lighting and furious thunderstorms. Temperatures drop to 90s, however the humidity increases. During the summertime plan on getting up early and spend the afternoons in the shade.
See: Website
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Ajo, Arizona
Arizona
Pima County
31°57'17.0"N 112°48'05.0"W
Organ Pipe Dr, Ajo, AZ 85321
Directions: Located in southern Arizona, south of Ajo, west of Tucson, and east of Yuma. From the NORTH: follow Arizona Highway 85 through Ajo and Why. The monument entrance is four miles from Why. The Kris Eggle Visitor Center is 22 miles (35.4 km) south of Why. From the EAST: take Arizona Highway 86 to Why, then turn left on Arizona Highway 85, heading south. From the WEST: follow I-8 to Gila Bend or I-10 to Buckeye, then turn south on Arizona Highway 85. From Sonoyta, MEXICO: travel north toward Lukeville, AZ on Mexico Route 2. The Kris Eggle Visitor Center is five miles north of Lukeville on Highway 85.