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