Organ Pipe Cactus NM, located in the Sonoran Desert, gets about nine inches of rainfall in a year which makes it a green desert and home to a large variety of plants and animals. In 1976 it was named an
International Biosphere Reserve by Unesco to protect its unique environment. 31 species of cacti grow in the monument including its namesake, the organ pipe, which isn’t a particularly rare cactus but one that doesn’t grow in large stands in the US due to a need for hot temperatures.
The main road in the park goes south from the entrance for about 20 miles until it hits the border with Mexico. There are two pull-offs with interpretive signs. The signs can not be read without exiting your vehicle. The visitor center which has a small exhibit area, a video, and ranger programs; and the campground are about 18 miles from the entrance. The main activities are hiking and scenic drives.
The visitor center and a short trail located behind it are accessible. The other trails are not accessible. The campground has four accessible sites with large concrete parking pads that extend under the table and grill. The sites are surrounded by desert vegetation so even though they are close together there’s still a degree of privacy.
The scenic roads are unpaved. The 21 mile Ajo Mountain Road is not recommended for RVs over 24’. The other four roads are rough and high clearance or four-wheel drive is recommended. We did not go on any of them.
Monument 31.95449, -112.80131
I remember being down that way, I stayed at the campground. I took the hike to the Victoria mine and I saw a brochure that showed the warm Gulf waters (Gulf of California) was only 70 miles away in Puerto Penasco Mexico.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realized that warm salt water was that close but I was not prepared for a trip to Mexico.
Maybe next time...
Yes, it's very tempting to just keep going when you're that close to the coastal cities. :-)
DeleteYou folks have plans for these interesting times we've found ourselves in?
ReplyDeleteWe've been kind of self isolating for weeks, staying away from big cities and hanging out with people who haven't been traveling far. We spent some time in Yuma and weren't very careful but I don't think Yuma is a world travel destination although there is now a case on the Marine base.
DeleteWe've been in Quartzsite for the last week. There's really no reason for us to leave so we'll probably stay here for another week.
How about you? Where are you and what's it like there?
We're up in Washington by the Hood Canal across the street from my daughter and grandson with medical issues. We are in comfortable spot sitting and waiting.
DeleteOnly one case in the county so far.
When we leave will depend on how the grandson is doing and how the world is doing too. I can't tell you how odd it is to include the whole world in that..
Good luck!
(I'm wishing everyone good luck because I think we'll need it)
I think you're right, sadly enough.
DeleteBest wishes to your grandson.
Thank you.
DeleteOrgan Pipe is one of my favorite places in this country. So glad you guys were able to go. If you're in Qsite, be safe. We're hunkered down in the foothill snow country, waiting for the virus to QUIT, and warm weather. Guess none of us can really travel nowadays.
ReplyDelete