Organ pipe cactus and mountains at sunset

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

National Monument ยท Arizona

NPS Photo/ Craig Stocks

๐Ÿ“ StateArizona
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Monument
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Entry$25
๐Ÿƒ Activities29
Official NPS Website โ†’
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

UNESCO biosphere reserve in Arizona, United States

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a U.S. national monument and UNESCO biosphere reserve located in southern Arizona that shares a border with the Mexican state of Sonora. The park is one of the few places in the United States where the senita and organ pipe cactus grow wild. Along with these species, many other types of cacti and other flora native to the Yuma Desert section of the Sonoran Desert region grow in the park. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is 517ย sqย mi (1,340ย km2) in size. In 1976 the monument was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and in 1977 95% of the monument was declared a wilderness area.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

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.

Park Photos

Organ pipe cactus and mountains at sunset
sun setting on a green organ pipe cactus
View of Alamo Canyon trail, flanked by saguaros and vegetation with mountains in background
Sonoran pronghorn with cholla stuck to its face
A saguaro cactus with white blooms, with reddish mountains in the background

Activities

Operating Hours

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

The monument is open 365 days a year and park roads and trails are open 24 hours. There is no gate at the monument entrance; entrance fees are paid for at the visitor center. There is no dispersed camping allowed anywhere in the monument. US-Mexico Border hours are 6 am-8 pm. The main season for visitors is December through the end of April, during the mild winter months and wildflower season. Campgrounds may fill during this time; check Recreation.gov for campsite availability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?

Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25.00. Valid for 7 days. This fee includes all occupants of a non-commercial vehicle. Entrance - Motorcycle: $20.00. Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Entrance - Per Person: $15.00. Valid for 7 days. This fee applies to bicycles and walk-ins (per person)

What are the best activities at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?

Popular activities at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument include: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Road Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping.

What is the weather like at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?

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.

How do I get to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument?

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.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$25

Valid for 7 days. This fee includes all occupants of a non-commercial vehicle.

Entrance - Motorcycle$20

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Per Person$15

Valid for 7 days. This fee applies to bicycles and walk-ins (per person)

Weather

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.

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Location

State(s)
Coordinates32.0359, -112.8573

Official Resources

NPS Official Website