Organ Pipe National Monument

This park is located in southern Arizona along the Mexican border.

The organ pipe cactus are the ones on the left of the picture.

We toured the Ajo Mountain Scenic Loop, a 21 mile
round-trip dirt road.  We stopped and enjoyed a picnic
with a family from Canada on the drive.

An organ pipe cactus.  Just before and during the summer rains, the
organ pipe fruit ripens and splits open to reveal its red pulpy flesh.  An organ pipe
cactus produces its first flowers at around 35 years.  The bat pollinated flowers
blossom at night and are closed by mid-morning the next day.

We considered taking a 6-8 hour drive but after reading this sign at the entrance
 to the one-way road we decided to heed this warning.  This is what the
sign says on it.

Travel Caution
Smuggling and illegal immigration maybe encountered in this area
Do Not travel alone
Avoid encounters with suspicious groups
Avoid traveling at night
Dial 911 to report illegal activity

Our campsite at  Hickiwan Trails Rv Park which was the closest
campground to Organ Pipe NP.

We had a full hook up and it was very well kept with a mountain view.