A 360° Organ Pipe Experience

From the left — Saguaro, Organ Pipes, Ocatillo. Photo: Marta Cerava

A desert spectacle — Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has different species of cacti growing together unlike anywhere else in the United States! That is the promise that lures people like me in.

We traveled to Organ Pipe at the start of April 2016. This trip was made for the desert blooms as well as the monument’s proximity to Mexico. April is supposed to be one of the best times to catch blooming cacti flowers. We were excited to see this desert beauty, especially since Organ Pipe opened to the public only a year and a half ago. When we arrived there, we were told that there hadn’t been much rain, this year. We were, however, grateful for every little flower that we saw. My favorites are the Ocotillos.

By Criselda Caringal

Check out this 360° cacti view!

“It is a spectacular example of a tropical desert ecosystem,” states the Chief of Resources Management for Organ Pipe, Rijk Morawe. Video by Marta Cerava, edited by Ryan Hayes.

The famous Organ pipe cacti cannot be found anywhere else in the States. The furthest South of Arizona is the furthest North that they can grow wild.

“No wonder then that they (Organ Pipe) surprise even the most mature desert-hikers from other parts of Arizona — they probably haven’t seen them before.”

By Criselda Caringal

Chain Fruit Cholla. Photo: Marta Cerava

The Organ Pipe National Monument attracted us not only because of its uniqueness, but also because of the history it preserves.

By Criselda Caringal

“There is literally 15 000 years of human history in the 520 square miles of the National park service,” says Morawe. Video by Marta Cerava, edited by Ryan Hayes.

Here’s more photos of cacti and their flowers:

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: blooms, cacti & cryptobiotic soil

Organ Pipe’s uniqueness is also heightened by the fact that it is shared by both the US and Mexico. But sharing along a border also implies dividing — that of wildlife as well as people. We experienced mixed emotions by the border fences, and while in the restoration areas.

Environmental activists argue that border fences have the greatest negative impact on the Organ Pipe National Monument, but park rangers say otherwise.

By Criselda Caringal

But we saw the fence. And a coyote crossing the border.

Wildlife vs. the Wall

There is so much to do, and so much more to see at Organ Pipe.

Senita or old man’s beard cactus. Photo: Marta Cerava