Above: Historic view of the Organ Pipe Cactus in black and white. Right: Sunset in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Photos courtesy National Park Service.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Then

This is an area replete with history, the most remarkable that of the Tohono O'odham (the Desert People) and Hia Ced O'odham of the Sonoran Desert. When Coronado arrived in 1540, expedition member Melichior Diaz was thought to be the first European to cross the region where the monument sits today. It would be Mexican territory, even after the Mexican American War, not ceded to the United States until the Gadsden Purchase in 1853. Mining had already begun prior to that, in the early 1850's with three mining districts established within that decade. The Victoria Mine Claim would be worked until the 1970's, well within the timeline of the park itself.

Ranching in the Park - There's thought that ranching in the area began back in Coronado's time, although the ranch sites, or their remains, that can be visited today represent the newer version, dating back to the early 1900's. Desert ranching was tough, with one square mile needed for every head of cattle. Within the monument land, there was one predominant family, the Grays, who ranched the acreage from 1919 forward. They lived in the Dos Lomitas Ranch House, but owned ranches throughout the monument land, many through acquisition. Line camps were established throughout, including Guchado, Alamo, and Poso Nuevo. The land was grazed through 1972, well past the 1937 date of the establishment of the park.

Photo above: Petroglyphs within the park. Courtesy National Park Service. Below: Ruins of the main house at Dos Lomitas Ranch. Courtesy National Park Service.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Now

In 1937, the National Park Service began its tenure as stewards of the Sonoran Desert landscape that calls Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument its home. Today you can see exhibits of that life and nature at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, take a ranger guided tour, ply the backroads on a driving excursion, or hike, if you are able, the desert trails of the park. It's best to visit in the fall, winter, and spring, due to the stifling temperatures that summer can bring. The ranger oriented tours are winter oriented, January to March.

During other times of the year, there might be ranger programs as well as community events in the historic plaza of Ajo. Check the local calendar for any events during your time of stay.

We'd be remiss not to mention that the National Monument is the site of the border wall. Be aware of what that means, both for potential construction as well as border crossings. Also be aware, at all times, of the heat, and take the necessary precautions to have a safe trip.