Organ Pipe Cacti is a rare form of cacti in America and basically, this park is the only area that…read morehas them. Mexico has a bunch but it's not safe near the border overall.
Organ Pipe is a desolate, super hot and schizo region. The summer heat easily hits 115-120 and during winter it can dip pretty low so prepare cautiously because no one can find you. In the event someone can find you, it is a dangerous predicament because of bad stuff that happens near this inhospitable border region involving smuggling humans, drugs and money. Nothing good happens whenever the underworld's money is threatened.
Regardless of the existential threats, the views, scenery and colors is breathtaking. You have a good vantage points of the exterior and at times the interior since the main road is 3-5 hour loop.
The desert is beautiful if you can understand the killer heat. Turtles, critters, snakes, plants, large avians and so much more. I didn't snap too many pics of animals cause they were hiding. Maybe next time!
You might see a roadrunner if your lucky **beep beep**!
I don't recommend wearing sandals when walking around here. Highly advise high-top steel toes with some wool/thicker socks in the event a snake bites ya. This region is home to the deadly yet gorgeous diamondback rattlers. Rattlers don't typically bite higher than the adult ankle so when they hit your boots, hopefully the snake will retract and go into a defensive position for you to walk back. Snakes don't chase humans however scorpions and poisonous critters will. Scorpions will claw at your toes and the pincher can pierce socks but not leather and metallic toe'd boots. If you see a scorpion, your best option is to squash it, kick it or stomp real hard to scare it. If it's not scared, then these nocturnal predators will attack your toes relentlessly. Getting bit by one of these tricks is basically a death sentence in the wilderness.
Access/Roads:
The main hub called the Kris Eggle Center is located off of HWY 89. It's visible, you can't miss it. Besides if you hit Mexico then duuuh, you passed it. If you are coming from Mexico and hit the second ICE checkpoint, duuh you passed it.
The park has a west and east side.
The east side makes a quick loop around Diablo Mountain.
The west side is the main attraction where the Organ Pipe Cactus is located. The western portion has two entrances, the North and South entrance which is near Mexico however you have to visit the North sector if you want to check out the loop (the 3-5 hour version).
The North and South entrances are a two-way for about 50 miles and then they become a one way. The northern is the entrance to the one-way while the Southern is the exit. When traveling on the Southwest corner, the road is two way for a second for local traffic. The dirt road to the right leads to small towns/Native territories. Please drive with care as the desert heat can blind ya.
The entire loop is gravel paved with debris everywhere.
Parking:
Free. Plenty space on the dirt in the park and the center has paved roads.
Distance:
Phoenix (north from Ajo) is appx 120 miles or two hour drive.
Yuma, AZ (west from) is appx 160 miles or 2.5 hours.
Tucson, AZ (east) is appx 135 - 170 miles or 3 hrs (depends on route).
Mexico (South) less than an hour.
Costs:
Free
Nearby Attractions:
ICE facilities & checkpoints (forced).
Ajo Historical Society/Museum (North)
Sonora Desert (North)
Yuma Territorial Museum (West)
Saguaro National Park (East)
Other Notes:
ICE/DEA checkpoints. There is one to the south and one to the north from Ajo. The checkpoints only stop vehicles traveling northbound on HWY 85.
Warning for all you Californians. ICE agent stated "Californians who go through here are typically up to no good." And wished us safe travels. If you are a Cali native and travel through here, the agents will assume you are up to nefarious activities so be prepared to convince them that you are not to prevent further hassles and time wasting. If you are up to no good then I hope they put you in the slammer.
I can't wait to come back~!
