Organ Pipe National Park

About an hour's drive south from Gila Bend between Ajo and Lukeville sits Organ Pipe National Park which in 1976 was designated as an Internationas Biosphere Reserve. Within the Park, part of the Sonoran Desert, two distinctly different vegative zones converge. Within these zones are 5 diverse plant communities. Topography, soils and climate determine where each occurs. In the lower areas creosote bushes, mixed scrub like brittlebush and salt tolerant plants live. The luxuriant upland hosts the greatest variety of cacti including Organ Pipe, Saguaro, Prickly Pear and Cholla. The last community sees the most abundant rainfall and agave and juniper grow there.

The large Organ Pipe cactus is more common in Mexico than in the United States and the National Park encompasses the bult of the U.S. population or Organ Pipe Cactus. The cactus loves the heat and light and grows on the south-facing slopes to absorb the most sun. Organ Pipe blooms in the heat of May, June and July waiting until the sun sets before opening its lavender-white flowers. The flowers do not stay open during the day.

Driving to the Park we remarked on how green the desert floor and the mountains are this year. The golden yellow poppy, known as the California Poppy is blooming in many areas of the desert including many areas in Organ Pipe.

When you visit Organ Pipe National Park in Southwest Arizona, we suggest taking the 21 mile one-way dirt road. Don't worry, it is graded so even the everyday cars can traverse the area. The road winds and dips into all the diversity the park has to offer. Along the way remember to keep your eyes open for the animals of the park too. Maybe you will see a white-winged dove, or a Gila woodpecker, possibly a roadrunner or a cactus wren. How about a Gila monster! What ever you are looking for, drive safely and enjoy the view.

TTFN