This is a desert wilderness environment. Your safety is important to us. Click here to review what you need to know to survive in this environment. Watch for cactus spines and rattlesnakes. You should probably know what you are getting into, before you come.

Don Dirks, NPS volunteer

The benign looking cholla cactus, also known as "jumping cactus," doesn't actually jump but is designed to grab hold of anything that gets too close. The Cactus Wren uses this hostility to its advantage by building nests in the protection of the cholla's branches

There is no food or lodging in the monument. Lukeville, 5 miles to the south on the US side of the Mexican border has a restaurant and small grocery as well as gas and a post-office. To the north, the small village of Why has gas and a restaurant. Further north to Ajo, you will find lodging, gas, restaurants and groceries.

Winter temperatures are pleasant, mid 50-60 degrees F (10-15 degrees C) during the day; chilly 30-40 degrees F (-1 to +4 degrees C)  during the night. Summer temperatures are hot 100+ degrees F (38+ degrees C) during the day and 70-80 degrees F (21-27 degrees C) during the night. If you plan on visiting during the summer months, plan on starting your day early and resting during the heat of the afternoon.

All plants, animals and historic artifacts are protected inside the Monument, that includes rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas. This is their home, if you are startled by one of these animals, step back and give them space. Enjoy the moment and consider yourself lucky to see such amazing creatures in such a wild environment. Let the rangers at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center know if you see something really cool, like a gila monster.