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-mi scenic loop Ajo Mountain Drive (a one-way, winding dirt road) or Puerto Blanco Drive, which is a two-way, 53-mi dirt road, of which only the first 5 mi are 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 hikes are offered in winter and spring.