Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Travel Page by richiecdisc

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument may lie geographically in the United States but it becomes readily apparent that borders are indeed quite arbitrary once within its confines. This is substantiated by the fact that the rare organ pipe cactus from which it derives its name is found only here and south of the border in the real Mexico. Though very impressive, the rare cacti is not the only draw of this beautiful slice of the Sonoran Desert. Despite its scenic attributes, the Monument was formed for its extensive biodiversity as well as its cultural importance to Native Americans and settlers who mined and ranchers the area. Scenic drives on gravel roads and hikes allow visitors to catch a glimpse of what is now primarily designated a wilderness area in hopes of steming the tide of man's overuse. You might not need a passport to enter, but if you walk out into the hills you'll walk perhaps not into another country, but a different time and world awaits.