Spend 4 nights and 3 days exploring Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. We will be camping at the main campground at Twin Peaks Campground surrounded by organ pipe cacti and lush desert plants located 1.5 miles from the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. Restrooms have running water and some have solar-heated showers. Hookups for electricity, water, or sewer are not available. A dump station, with potable water is located past the last row of campsites.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was set aside on April 3rd, 1937 for future generations as an exemplar of the Sonoran Desert. This natural area is home to an abundance of life: quirky cacti, talkative birds, whispering springs with desert fish, and so much more! The life found in the Sonoran Desert has adapted to this land of extremes in a multitude of ways, each playing a role in this magical landscape. Explore the desert wilderness hiking through hidden washes, adventuring off on a scenic drive, or just relaxing at the monument's campgrounds.
Directions: The Twin Peaks Campground is located 1.5 miles from the Kris Eggle Visitor Center and Highway 85. Continue past the visitor center and almost immediately turn left at the sign that says "Twin Peaks Campground." Follow that road for 1.5 miles until you reach the campground kiosk.
Logistics: 5 tent sites and 10 RV sites have been reserved. The tent sites are in the tent section of the campground; each site has its own gravel pad with one tent per site. The RV sites range from 28 ft. to 40 ft. The RV sites are located in the section where generators can be used during generator hours (see below).
Generator Hours: Quiet Hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Generator hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Campfires: Ground fires within the park is prohibited. All fires must be in the provided raised grills. For those with propane file pits, please bring them to use at night in lieu of a campfire. Two tanks of propane will be provided to use towards the nightly campfire.
Pets: Pets must be leashed (six feet or less) or otherwise physically restrained at all times. For details about where you can and can't go with your pet, visit the Pets page or contact the visitor center by calling (520) 387-6849.
Payments: This event is limited to GO members. When you register, you'll need to have your credit card (MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.) ready and pay your registration fee within 15 mins. If you are not a member yet, you can first join as a member online and then return here to register.
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Cancellation/Refunds Policy: Cancellation for a refund, minus $10, must be received by January 8 and must be sent to the Trip Leader, Beth Schneider email click here
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What to Bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, and the Ten Essentials. Per the schedule below, bring food to share on Sunday (meet and greet appetizer) and Monday (pot luck dinner) nights. Every effort will be made to have hot coffee ready by 7:30 am (sunrise) if sufficient power is available to make coffee before 8 am (see generator hours above). Bagels and muffins will be available in the morning for breakfast.
Directions: Follow I-10 E to AZ-85 S/Phoenix Bypass Rte in Buckeye. Take AZ-85 south and turn right on Puerto Blanco Dr. For directions click here
Weather: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument weather click here
Trip Leader: Beth S.email click here
Tentative Schedule
The reserved group meeting area is site #xxx (TBD).
Please check the white board set up at site #xxx (TBD) for updates
Sunday
- 1:00 pm - arrival
- 6:00 PM Meet & Greet Site #xxx
- 7:30 pm campfire
Monday
- 7:30 am Coffee and muffins **
- 9:00 Hike - Victoria Mine Trail (4.4-5.2 miles/322' elevation gain);
- 1:00 pm - Ajo Mountain Drive (20.4 mile drive off road/rated moderate)
- 6:00 pm ~ Potluck (bring a dish to share).
- 7:30 pm ~ campfire
** As generator hours start at 8:00 am, every effort possible will be made to have coffee available at 7:30 am, depending on availability of power at the campground.
Tuesday
- 7:30 am ~ Coffee and muffins **
- 9:00 am - Drive and hike - Dripping Springs Mine Trail (2.9/295') and Dripping Springs Trail (1.1/164'); bring lunch
- Dinner in town or on your own
- 7:30 pm ~ campfire
Wednesday
- 7:30 am ~ Coffee and muffins
- 9:00 am Drive and hike to the northern side of the park to Arch Canyon (1.1/85') and Bull Pasture Loop Trail (2.6/479); bring lunch.
- 6:00 pm - Dinner will be provided by the club
- 7:30 pm campfire (?)
Thursday -
Site assignments and additional details will be in the reminder email a few days prior to the event.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
