The desert wilderness is scenic, wonderful, and well-worth protecting.
When Visiting A Border Park
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument shares the border with Mexico for 32 miles. This is a remote region.
Visitors should be aware that drug smuggling routes pass through the park. If you see any activity which looks illegal, suspicious, or out of place, please do not intervene. Note your location. Call 911 or report it to a ranger as quickly as possible.
Each year hundreds of people travel north through the park seeking to enter the United States. It is possible you could encounter an individual or small group trying to walk through the park with little or no water. Please do not stop, but instead, note your location and immediately call 911 or contact a ranger as soon as possible. Lack of water is a life-threatening emergency in the desert.
Be Aware, Be Safe
- Remember that cell phone service is usually out of range within Monument boundaries.
- Know where you are at all times, follow good safety procedures and use common sense when making decisions.
- Do not pick-up hitch hikers
- Keep valuables, including spare change, out of sight and lock your vehicle
- Avoid traveling in well-marked but unofficial "trails"
- People in distress may ask for food, water or other assistance. It is recommended that you do not make contact. Report the location of the distressed people to the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, other park staff, or the Border Patrol.
- Report ANY suspicious behavior to park staff or Border Patrol. Please do not contact suspicious persons, contact a Ranger for assistance.
