Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Review

The largest habitat north of the border for organ-pipe cacti, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is near Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge but is much more accessible to visitors. These multiarmed cousins of the saguaro are fairly common in Mexico but rare in the United States. Because they tend to grow on the warmer, usually south-facing, slopes, you won't be able to see many of them unless you take either the 21-mile scenic loop Ajo Mountain Drive (a one-way, winding dirt road) or Puerto Blanco Drive, which is a two-way, 53-mile dirt road, of which only the first 5 miles are currently open to the public.

A campground at the monument has 208 RV (no hookups) and tent sites ($12). Facilities include a dump station with potable water, showers, flush toilets, grills, and picnic tables. Ranger-led tours and talks are offered January through March.