ORGAN PIPE CACTUS National Monument
#OrganPipeCactusNationalMonument #NationaalParks #Arizona #camping #PaintedRockPetroglyph #QuitobaquitoSprings #pupfish #JeepLife
We had a three-day camping trip planned to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The Monument is located in Southwestern Arizona. We had a late start and spent the first night at Imperial Dunes State Recreation Area and boondocked in the sand dunes. The next morning, we finished our drive to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
Painted Rocks Petroglyph Site
On the way, we stopped at the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site located on the eastern edge of the Painted Rock Mountains and about eighteen miles northwest of Gila Bend, Arizona. We had driven pass the exit several times without stopping, but this time we did!
The Painted Rock Site is the largest known site in the southwestern United States with around 800 images. The people of the Hohokam (and pre-Hohokam) tribes lived and farmed in this area from 350 AD – 1400 AD. The paintings are thought to have been done in different stages during that timeframe.
Twin Peaks Campground
We got to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in the early afternoon and first stopped at the Visitor Center. We got information on what to do and then went on to setup camp. We camped for the next two nights at Twin Peaks Campground. The campsites have no electrical hookups. Water and vault toilets are available.
It was beautiful Arizona winter weather and we enjoyed the sparsely populated campsite.
Ajo Mountain Drive
The next morning long-time friends of ours showed up at the park and we took one of the scenic routes in the park – Ajo Mountain Drive. The two of us climbed into their truck with the two of them and their large dog and we went exploring. Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21-mile scenic drive through the monument.
We were able to see several of the namesake cacti – Organ Pipe Cactus, as well as Saguaro, Ocotillo, Cholla, and others. There had been several winter rains and some of the desert flowers were out in force!
We finished the drive, had a BBQ, some beers and then they had to leave.
South Puerto Blanco Drive
The next morning, we broke camp and drove to the South Puerto Blanco Drive. This is a very large loop and we did not have enough time to do the complete loop.
The monument property borders the US-Mexico border and the road we were on, was just yards away from the border in spots! Border Patrol agents were out and about and even a helicopter buzzed by on occasion! Our destination for our drive was Quitobaquito Springs.
Quitobaquito Springs
Quitobaquito Springs was a water source for the early residents of the area – the Native American tribe Tohono O'odham. This was also a stopping point for travelers in the area.
Quitobaquito Springs is a small-spring fed pond that supports desert wildlife in the area. It is home to the small and endangered Quitobaquito pupfish, and we were able to see many of those fish. The pupfish swim in the pond and in a tiny stream that feeds the pond.
The pond also supports migratory birds for a portion of their long journeys.
Conclusion
Our trip to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was a great adventure. We got to see ancient painted rocks, saw scenic desert views and spring flowers with friends, and got to explore a desert springs oasis!
We will see YOU on the next adventure!
Music
Chunk by Quincas Moreira
Credits
HB Maverick Photography
Photographers: David Partridge (Maverick)
Mathilda Partridge
Cameras: Nikon D3300
Olympus TG-5
GoPro Hero5 Black
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
February 2019
Camping in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
This is my final project for my class on border issues between the USA and Mexico taught by Professor Rick Rodriguez. I went down to see how safe this monument once dubbed as the most dangerous in the United States is today.
The Arch at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Arch Canyon Hike Pt 2
triplog & photoset @
Protest Against Border Wall at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Hundreds protested the construction of the border wall at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on 9 November 2019. This day marked 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. 41 laws are being waved to force through this border wall which is a desecration to traditional Hia-Ced O'Odham land, to Quitobaquito Springs, and to the desert plants and wildlife who live here. This is a violation of Indigenous rights. It violates the rights of O'Odham people and others to freely migrate, live, and pray on their lands as they have been doing for thousands of years or more.
Remains of 7-year-old suspected illegal immigrant found in Arizona desert
The body of a 7-year-old Indian girl was found in a remote desert area of Arizona on Wednesday — the same day border agents say they were told human smugglers helped five Indian illegal immigrants cross into the U.S. Border Patrol agents with the Tucson Sector recovered the remains of the young girl early Wednesday morning about 17 miles west of Lukeville, a town that sits on the U.S.-Mexico border. The body of a 7-year-old Indian girl was found in a remote desert area of Arizona on Wednesday — the same day border agents say they were told human smugglers helped five Indian illegal immigrants cross into the U.S. Border Patrol agents with the Tucson Sector recovered the remains of the young girl early Wednesday morning about 17 miles west of Lukeville, a town that sits on the U.S.-Mexico border. The women informed CBP the other members of their group had become separated at some point. After the women were taken into custody, agents and local law enforcement searched a remote area about seven miles west of Quitobaquito Springs where they recovered the remains of the 7-year-old. With two other members of the group still missing, officials called in aerial support from the National Guard and CBP Air and Marine Operations. Late Wednesday night, ground units discovered footprints that indicated the other two migrants likely crossed back into Mexico. CBP described the terrain where the young girl was found as “rugged desert wilderness” and said anyone there would have “little to no resources.” Temperatures were around 108 degrees on the day the girl is believed to have died. “Our sympathies are with this little girl and her family,” Tucson Chief Patrol Agent Roy Villareal said in a press release. “This is a senseless death driven by cartels who are profiting from putting lives at risk.” Authorities in Mexico have continued to search their side of the border for the other two group members but have yet to locate them.
US/Mexico Border Wall, 不到长城非好汉, Observational Video, ART-151, Tohono O'odham Community College
US/Mexico Border Wall, 不到长城非好汉, Observational Video, ART-151, Tohono O'odham Community College, 22 October 2019, Lukeville, Arizona, USA, Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Biosphere Preserve, 不到长城非好汉, Bú Dào ChángChéng Fēi HǎoHàn, He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man, Here, a true man, 好汉, means a hero who fears nothing.