Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

After leaving Tucson we head West and venture down to Organ Pipe Cactus National Park.  We decide to stay north of the Park and drive in with the Tracker.  We stayed at Coyote Howls Park and yes, that is a Coyote crossing the entrance.

Tucson thinks he can howl pretty good - especially with that megaphone he's wearing. 

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument shares it's border with Mexico and protects the life and landscape of a Sonoran Desert. In 1976 the United Nations designated the monument as an International Biosphere Reserve. 

The Organ Pipe Cactus is a large cactus that is rarely found in the US but is common in Mexico.  The Monument protects the majority of the U.S. range.  It grows on the warmer slopes which is important in winter months when severe frosts can kill the cactus. 

They grow some impressive Saguaro Cactus as well. 

The Ajo Mountain range makes a beautiful background for the cactus. 

There is a 21 mile scenic drive - the Ajo Mountain Drive. 

The Ocotillo are starting to bloom.  The Ocotillo are usually bare thorny branches they are of the Candlewood family not cactus.  Whenever there is a rain it immediately sprouts leaves then loses them once again when dry to conserve on evaporation. 

Here is a sample of a "Crest" on an Organ Pipe Cactus.  Some think it might be genetically caused or others think it is caused by Frost or an imbalance of growth hormones. They are just pretty to me.

Here is an Arch formation in the Mountain 

We hike the trail up

but it gets a little much for the conehead puppy so we turn back.

On our way to the Monument we passed some BLM land that people were camping on and moved over there for our second night.  You can dry camp on most BLM land for up to 14 days.  There are Long Term Visitor Areas where you can stay for up to 8 months but must purchase a permit for $160.

 

Till Later!

Meanwhile, we keep on Trek'n

Melissa, Gary & Tucson