Oh, that ride to Rocky Point Mexico. If you’re like me, you can’t seem to get there fast enough. It simply doesn’t matter how often I go. I cannot wait to get to the Sonoran Sun Resort and gaze upon Sandy Beach and the Sea of Cortez. This describes my personal experience every single time. A true highlight of these road trips is passing through the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. It too stands out every time.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Location
You enter the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument driving south toward Puerto Peñasco from the Phoenix, Arizona area. Its address is considered part of Ajo, Arizona. However, its 330,000 acres extend far beyond the small town. The distance equals an area of more than 500 square miles that reaches down to the Arizona border with Sonora, Mexico. In fact, the monument’s Kris Eggle Visitor Center is just a few miles north of Mexico.
The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is perhaps the big and beautiful example of the great Sonoran Desert. The land was preserved in 1937 when it was designated by the U.S. Government as a national monument. Today, the protected land is under the management of the National Park Service.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Habitat
The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is an International Biosphere Reserve. As such, the conservation of its ecosystems and natural residents of the living desert is protected. There is a thriving community of animals and unique forms of desert plant life here. You’ll see saguaro, ocotillo, prickly pear, chainfruit cholla, and more among the desert plants. Coyote, javelina, diamondback rattlesnake, desert tortoise, and red-tailed hawk are some of the animals you could see if you are lucky. In addition, the area is a haven for geology and history.
The star resident for which the monument was named is the organ pipe cactus. This area of Arizona is the northern-most natural habitat of the cactus which is found mostly in Mexico. In Spanish, the Mexicans call it “pitaya dulce.” This is because they know it to be a sweet cactus fruit. Many liken the taste of the red tennis-ball size fruit to watermelon, but even sweeter.
There are two species of organ pipe cactus. The smaller one grows to around 10 feet high. Meanwhile, the larger ones can reach heights up to 26 feet.
Rocky Point Passersby
Most Rocky Pointers are merely passersby of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This is because of their beach going agenda in Puerto Peñasco. Nonetheless, it would be hard to find people who don’t appreciate the beauty of the natural desert landscape. In particular, its colorful sunrises and sunsets are often spectacular.
Meanwhile, many outdoor enthusiasts and U.S. National Park System fans visit this Southern Arizona treasure. They enjoy a variety of activities. For instance, camping, photography, scenic drives, hiking, biking, and ranger programs.
Rocky Point Travel Advisory
Park rangers in general, including those at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument are among the nicest people you can meet. However, be sure to honor the speed limit when driving on AZ-85 through the monument. This is of course for safety reasons such as distracted or aggressive drivers and animal crossings. But it is also advised for you financially. This is because U.S. Park Rangers have law enforcement authority. Personally, I have seen them enforce traffic violations. Namely, this was for speeding or passing in restricted areas on AZ-85. So please, be safe. Slow down and enjoy the gorgeous views of this wilderness in the Sonoran Desert.
