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We have reserved Group Site #5 for the evenings of March 12 and 13 (Friday
and Saturday). The site is a tent-only site capable of handling up to 8
tents, 24 persons. The group sites are located just beyond (about 100
yards) the main campground in a small valley. There are restrooms and
water facilities in the parking area. The Group sites are together, but
away from the main campground and slightly downhill.
The weather should be wonderful with highs in the low 80s and lows in the 40s. Plan on very warm, sun drenched days, and very cool star filled nights. The desert area is very open and little shade outside of early morning and late afternoon. This is a good weekend for stargazing too, since the 3rd quarter the moon doesn't come up until after midnight. Great for night time strolls and possibly nighttime photography. Joe Orman will be joining us again with a handout on what we can view in the night sky (satellites, planets, etc.). Saturn and Jupiter will both be visible in the evening sky. The park is very serene and quiet, especially once out on the drives or trails. Several species of cacti including the namesake Organ Pipe inhabit the area. The hills surrounding the group sites are literally covered with Organ Pipe. A short easy hike along the Desert View Nature Trail along these hills gives an up-close view and information on the plants and their use by the native Indians. This will be the start of blooming season for many of the park's annuals and perennial plants. With enough rain we may even be treated to blooming windflowers and cacti. All are within the view of the sacred and majestic Ajo mountains to the east. OPCNM is a great park to enjoy the serenity of the desert, hike its many trails, or even get away and relax for a weekend! There are many trails to hike as well as 2 beautiful scenic drive tours available. Cars have been known to take the drives but a truck or SUV is recommended as the roads go through desert washes in several areas. Note, only the first five miles of the North Puerto Blanco Road will be open during our visit; the remainder of the road is closed for construction. Details: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (OPCNM): Located along the Arizona/Mexico border, bisected by state highway 85, OPCNM is considered the pristine example of the Sonoran Desert Region. More than 20 species of cactus are here including the Organ Pipe and Sonita, found nowhere else in the US. Dates: Friday, March 12, thru Sunday, March 14. Meet: 9:00 AM on Friday, March 12 at Einstein Bagels on SE corner of 48th St. and Ray Road in Ahwatukee. Leave by 9:15 AM. Stop in Ajo for gas and lunch at a great inexpensive Mexican restaurant. Trip Leader: 602-426-1526. Call or email the leader to confirm. Cost: $5 per vehicle entrance fee. Camp site fee: $6 per person (total for both nights, payable to David Langford). Directions: We'll take I-10 East to Maricopa Road; southwest on Maricopa Road through Maricopa along Highway 347. South on 347 12 miles, then west on Highway 84, 5 miles to I-8. I-8 west 40 miles to Highway 85 and the town of Gila Bend. Highway 85 south 80 miles to OPCNM entrance on right. Weather: Ajo (Go/no-go decision will be made on Thursday, March 11). Hikes at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument These are the only trails currently open in the monument. All other trails are closed indefinitley due to an increase in illegal border activity. Camping is currently only allowed in the Twin Peaks and Alamo Canyon Campgrounds. All backcountry areas are closed to overnight camping/backpacking. In addition, some of your trail mileages are inaccurate. You may want to contact the monument to get accurate and up-to-date distances, etc. http://www.nps.gov/orpi/520-387-6849 x 7302 From The Visitor Center • Palo Verde Trail (pet friendly). • Visitor Center Nature Trail (accessible) From the Twin Peaks Campground • Palo Verde Trail (pet friendly). • Desert View Trail. • Campground perimeter trail (pet friendly). • Victoria Mine Trail, please stay on the trail. From the North Puerto Blanco Drive • Pinkley Peak ("front" side only) From the Ajo Mountain Drive • Estes Canyon Trail (Ajo Mountain area). • Bull Pasture Trail (Ajo Mountain area). • Arch Canyon Trail (Ajo Mountain area). From Highway 85 • Alamo Canyon Trail (trailhead down a dirt road between mile markers 65 and 66) • Grass Canyon Trail (park at the Ajo Mountain Wayside Exhibit at mile marker 63) The Old Sonoyta/Ajo Highway is open (from the Ajo Mountain Drive).
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| Updated on January 24, 2009 |