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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Designation: National Monument

Location: Arizona

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Look closely. Look again. The sights and sounds of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, an International Biosphere Reserve, reveal a thriving community of plants and animals. Human stories echo throughout the Sonoran Desert, chronicling thousands of years of desert living. A wilderness hike, a scenic drive, or a night of camping will expose you to a living desert abounding with hidden life.

🌤 Weather Information

Summer months are hot, with temperatures exceeding 100F during the day and night-time temperatures in the high 70's. Winter months are milder, with temperatures in the 70s during the day and 30's to 40's in the evening.

🚗 Directions

The Kris Eggle Visitor Center is located on Highway 85 approximately 25 miles south of Why, AZ and 5 miles north of Lukeville, AZ, just before the US-Mexico Border.

Images

Organ pipe cactus and mountains at sunset

Visit the only place in the U.S. where you can see large stands of organ pipe cacti.

Credit: NPS Photo/ Craig Stocks

sun setting on a green organ pipe cactus

Experience the only place in the US where the Organ Pipe Cactus naturally grows

Credit: NPS Photo

View of Alamo Canyon trail, flanked by saguaros and vegetation with mountains in background

Capture amazing views from trails and scenic drives

Credit: NPS Photo/ C Stocks

Sonoran pronghorn with cholla stuck to its face

Experience the wildlife of the most biodiverse desert in North America

Credit: NPS Photo/ D Martin

A saguaro cactus with white blooms, with reddish mountains in the background

Experience the rich assemblage of cacti at Organ Pipe Cactus.

Credit: NPS Photo/ K Ceballos

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
This fee includes all occupants of a non-commercial vehicle.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Motorcycle: $20 Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s).
$20.00
Entrance - Per Person
Individuals: $15 This fee applies to bicycles and walk-ins (per person)
$15.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
This pass is valid for Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument for one year from the month of purchase. The pass admits all passengers in a private vehicle and is non-transferable.
$45.00
Annual Entrance - Park
This pass is valid for Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument for one year from the month of purchase. The pass admits all passengers in a private vehicle and is non-transferable.
$45.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Monday, Feb 9

Sunny

Sunny

High: 85.8°F | Low: 52.3°F

Humidity: 23%

Wind: 11 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.1

Sunrise: 07:19 AM

Sunset: 06:13 PM

Moon: Last Quarter (55%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 52.9°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Feb 10

Sunny

Sunny

High: 74.8°F | Low: 50°F

Humidity: 58%

Wind: 23.3 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1

Sunrise: 07:18 AM

Sunset: 06:13 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (46%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 54.3°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Feb 11

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 70.3°F | Low: 51.4°F

Humidity: 64%

Wind: 19 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.9

Sunrise: 07:17 AM

Sunset: 06:14 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (36%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 52.7°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Pozo Nuevo Road to Bates Well Ranch High Clearance, 4-Wheel Drive Only Caution
High Clearance, 4-wheel drive is required from where Pozo Nuevo Road begins along South Puerto Blanch Drive to Bates Well Ranch area. The road is washed out in areas. Bates Well Ranch is still accessible from the north on Darby Well Road.
Shoulder Work on Highway 85 Caution
Road crews will be clearing vegetation along State Route 85 beginning September 16, 2025 and throughout the remainder of the week. Motorists are advised to drive with caution as there may be workers and/or equipment in the road.
Excessive Rains Close Scenic Drive
Due to damage from excessive seasonal rainfall in the surrounding mountains and local area, the 21 mile, scenic, Ajo Mountain Drive is impassable and therefore temporarily closed.
West and East Border Roads closed for public safety Park Closure
South Puerto Blanco Drive remains open. All border roads remain closed (the dirt roads directly along the border and all crossover roads leading from South Puerto Blanco Drive to the border) to all public vehicle and pedestrian traffic for public safety.
Gachado Line Camp open. Southeast border road and access roads closed Park Closure
El Camino De Dos Republicas remains open from SR85 to Gachado Line Camp. Dos Lomitas is not accessible. The southeast border road from Lukeville Port of Entry eastward to the Santa Rosa Mountains is closed to public vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Pozo Nuevo Road to Bates Well Ranch High Clearance, 4-Wheel Drive Only Caution
High Clearance, 4-wheel drive is required from where Pozo Nuevo Road begins along South Puerto Blanch Drive to Bates Well Ranch area. The road is washed out in areas. Bates Well Ranch is still accessible from the north on Darby Well Road.
Watch for Large Animals on Park Roads
A stray horse has wandered into the monument and has been seen repeatedly on and near the highway. Use extreme caution: Collisions with this large animal could be fatal to both to both the horse and vehicle occupants.
Feral Dogs May Be Seen in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Caution
Feral dogs may be present at the Twin Peaks Campground and around the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. Visitors should not attempt to feed or water these dogs or approach them in any way as they may carry disease or become hostile.
Ajo Mountain Drive is open. Caution is recommended.
The 21 mile scenic drive has re-opened. Please be aware that maintenance, including large trucks, continues to repair the road and culverts. As always, trailers, buses and RV's over 25 ft are not permitted. Contact the visitor center for more information.

More Info

Phone System is Not Working
Currently the park’s phone system is not functioning. Please email sue_walter@nps.gov with questions and request for information.
West and East Border Roads closed for public safety Park Closure
All border roads a remain closed (the dirt roads directly along the border and all crossover roads leading from South Puerto Blanco Drive to the border) to all public vehicle and pedestrian traffic for public safety. South Puerto Blanco Drive remains open
Increased Fire Restrictions, Effective June 5 Until Further Notice
Due to increase fire danger and dry conditions, all fires (charcoal, coal, and wood) are prohibited. Cook stoves and lanterns are still allowed. Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles.
Feral Dogs May Be Seen in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Caution
Feral dogs may be present at the Twin Peaks Campground and around the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. Visitors should not attempt to feed or water these dogs or approach them in any way as they may carry disease or become hostile.
Excessive heat warning
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY, JULY 2. IMPACTS: These dangerous temperatures can cause heat related illnesses including death. Those working or playing outdoors and those without air conditioning are most vulnerable.

More Info

Fire Restrictions in Place for Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Danger
Effective Monday, May 12, 2025, the monument will be under Stage Two fire restrictions. Burning charcoal or wood, including smoking and fireworks are prohibited in all areas within the monument except for liquid petroleum or propane stoves
Gachado Line Camp open. Southeast border road and access roads closed Park Closure
El Camino De Dos Republicas remains open from SR85 to Gachado Line Camp. Dos Lomitas is not accessible. The southeast border road from Lukeville Port of Entry eastward to the Santa Rosa Mountains is closed to public vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Temporary Road Closure
The Ajo Mountain Drive is closed through November 12, 2015 to allow road crews to pave several water crossings. Alternative scenic drives are available. Contact the visitor center 520-387-6849 x7302 for more information.

Park Events

Sunset Walk/Talk

A relaxed sunset program, designed for all ages, exploring the plants, wildlife, and people of the Sonoran Desert. Talks change daily; inquire at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for details. 

Location: Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater

Date: Dec 18, 2025 12:00am to Jan 24, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sunset Walk/Talk

A relaxed sunset program, designed for all ages, exploring the plants, wildlife, and people of the Sonoran Desert. Talks change daily; inquire at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for details. 

Location: Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater

Date: Dec 28, 2025 12:00am to Apr 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Critter Chat

Join a ranger for a talk about the unique animals that call this deserrt home!

Location: Kris Eggle Visitor Center patio

Date: Dec 28, 2025 12:00am to Apr 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Patio Talk

An interpretive talk that changes daily. Subjects vary broadly, from ethnobotany, mining history, regional culture, and beyond.

Location: Kris Eggle Visitor Center patio

Date: Dec 28, 2025 12:00am to Apr 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

All About the Organ Pipe Cactus

How big can organ pipe cactus grow? Can you eat their fruit? What role do they play in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem?

Have you or someone you know every asked a question like this about the organ pipe cactus? If the answer is yes, then this is the program for you!

Our rangers are ready to teach you everything you need to know about the national monument's namesake cactus!

Location: Kris Eggle Visitor Center patio

Date: Dec 28, 2025 12:00am to Apr 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Evening Program

A formal interpretive talk on the history, ecology, and/or culture of the Sonoran Desert. Talks change daily; inquire at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for details.

Location: Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater

Date: Jan 11, 2026 12:00am to Apr 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ajo Astronomy Night

Enjoy Ajo's stunning night sky, gaze through a telescope, and learn about space with rangers from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

Red-light flashlights preferred but not required. The Sonoran Desert can drop below 30F (-1C) during the winter months; for an optimal experience, warm layers are recommended.

This is not a pet friendly event, we apologize for any inconvenience.

Location: E.S. "Bud" Walker Park 290 W 5th Street Ajo, AZ 85321

Date: Jan 23, 2026 12:00am to Jan 23, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sunset Walk/Talk

A relaxed sunset program, designed for all ages, exploring the plants, wildlife, and people of the Sonoran Desert. Talks change daily; inquire at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for details. 

Location: Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater

Date: Jan 25, 2026 12:00am to Feb 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Evening Program

A formal interpretive talk on the history, ecology, and/or culture of the Sonoran Desert. Talks change daily; inquire at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for details.

Location: Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater

Date: Jan 25, 2026 12:00am to Feb 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Sunset Walk/Talk

A relaxed sunset program, designed for all ages, exploring the plants, wildlife, and people of the Sonoran Desert. Talks change daily; inquire at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for details. 

Location: Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater

Date: Feb 8, 2026 12:00am to Apr 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321

🏤 Mailing Address:
10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321

📞 Voice Phone: 520-387-6849

✉️ Email: orpi_information@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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