https://www.nps.gov/orpi News releases from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. en-us https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/kris-eggle-visitor-center-hours.htm Thu, 09 May 2024 13:00:00 EST Beginning Sunday, May 19, 2024, the operating hours for the Kris Eggle Visitor Center at Organ Pipe Cactus will switch to 8:00am - 4:00pm. The visitor center is open 7 days a week, only closing on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/kris-eggle-visitor-center-hours.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/familias-al-aire-libre.htm Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:56:00 EST Ajo, Az - Familias Al Aire Libre! – Every Family Outdoors! – is a new event happening at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument celebrating the Spanish speaking heritage of our park. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/familias-al-aire-libre.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/christmas-bird-count-2023.htm Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:19:00 EST Ajo, Az - Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in cooperation with Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge are hosting the 2023 Christmas Bird Count Thursday through Saturday, December 21st – 23rd. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/christmas-bird-count-2023.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/pozo-nuevo-road-re-opened-for-public-use.htm Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:03:00 EST AJO ARIZONA — Pozo Nuevo Road repairs are complete, and the road is now re-open to public use. Bates Well Road closed on April 4, 2023 from the intersection of Growler Wash extending west to the boundary of the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge to allow for heavy equipment usage to repair the roadbed. Work on Bates was completed August 1, 2023. Crews continued to work to address impacts to Pozo Nuevo Road as a result of the heavy equipment use during the Bates Well Road repairs. All repairs are now complete, and the roads are open for public enjoyment. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/pozo-nuevo-road-re-opened-for-public-use.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/08022023-bates-well-road-reopened-for-public-use.htm Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:07:00 EST Bates Well Road repairs are complete, and the road is now re-open to public use. A portion of Pozo Nuevo Road is closed as crews work to repair that road bed. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/08022023-bates-well-road-reopened-for-public-use.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/ajo-mountain-drive-open.htm Mon, 01 May 2023 09:44:00 EST Crews at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument have successfully completed a road paving project on Ajo Mountain Drive and the road has re-opened for use. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/ajo-mountain-drive-open.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/president-s-volunteer-service-lifetime-achievement-award.htm Thu, 20 Apr 2023 13:23:00 EST Acting Superintendent Nick Huck and Senior Law Enforcement Ranger Kyle Greene presented Laurence and Diane Maul with the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Larry and Diane Maul of Bangor, Maine were recognized for contributing more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/president-s-volunteer-service-lifetime-achievement-award.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/bates-well-pozo-nuevo-and-ajo-mountain-drive-closures.htm Fri, 31 Mar 2023 11:06:00 EST Bates Well Road will be closed effective April 4, 2023 from the intersection of Growler Wash, extending west to the boundary of the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. Because this closure includes the northern junction of Pozo Nuevo Road and Bates Well Road, Pozo Nuevo Road beginning at the intersection of North Puerto Blanco Drive, extending north to the intersection of Bates Well Road will also be closed. These closures will allow for road repairs to the section of Bates Well Road between the Bates Well Ranch and the boundary of the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. The closure applies to all foot, bicycle and motor vehicle traffic and will remain in effect until further notice. The closures are in response to public safety concerns associated with heavy machinery and construction traffic. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/bates-well-pozo-nuevo-and-ajo-mountain-drive-closures.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/ajo-mountain-drive-april-closure.htm Wed, 22 Mar 2023 12:19:00 EST Ajo Mountain Drive, a 21-mile one-way road will close on April 3, 2023 through the end of the month to finish a road improvement project that began last fall. This multi-phased project will improve the visitor use and experience of the road by hardening water crossings and paving the surface of the road on this scenic and popular drive. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/ajo-mountain-drive-april-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/alamo-reservations-12162022.htm Thu, 15 Dec 2022 06:19:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Alamo Canyon Campground will be available year-round, beginning January 1, 2023 for reservations on www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. This change will make it possible for visitors to Plan Like a Ranger and select and reserve their ideal campsite prior to their arrival. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/alamo-reservations-12162022.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/ajo-mountain-drive-closure.htm Tue, 06 Sep 2022 03:41:00 EST Ajo Mountain Drive in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument will close September 6th for a two month paving project. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/ajo-mountain-drive-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/quitobaquito-pond-restoration-set-to-begin-april-11-2022.htm Tue, 29 Mar 2022 06:40:00 EST A Temporary Closure Order of the Quitobaquito site as well as the access road to it from the junction of South Puerto Blanco and North Puerto Blanco Drives will take place between April 11, and approximately May 6, 2022, to replace the man-made liner at Quitobaquito Pond https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/quitobaquito-pond-restoration-set-to-begin-april-11-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/2021-12-16-twinpeaks_campground_advanced_reservations.htm Fri, 17 Dec 2021 10:05:00 EST Ajo Arizona – Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Twin Peaks Campground will be available year-round, beginning January 1, 2022 for reservations on www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. This change will make it possible for visitors to Plan Like a Ranger and select and reserve their ideal campsite prior to arriving at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/2021-12-16-twinpeaks_campground_advanced_reservations.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-cactus-n-m-announces-additional-services-available-in-october.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2020 08:00:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, along with 10 other national park units in Southern Arizona, will assume additional visitor services in October. The Kris Eggle Visitor Center reopens with modified schedule and access on October 1, 2020. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-cactus-n-m-announces-additional-services-available-in-october.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/news-release-arrival-of-monsoon-signals-easing-of-fire-restrictions-in-southeast-arizona.htm Thu, 30 Jul 2020 10:18:00 EST Press release detailing the easing of fire restrictions in Southeast Arizona, including Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, due to the arrival of monsoon season. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/news-release-arrival-of-monsoon-signals-easing-of-fire-restrictions-in-southeast-arizona.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/fire-restrictions-to-begin-at-organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument.htm Wed, 13 May 2020 20:01:00 EST Due to increased fire danger in southern Arizona, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument will increase fire restrictions beginning May 15th. These restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove fire. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/fire-restrictions-to-begin-at-organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/new-release-organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument-is-modifying-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm Sat, 28 Mar 2020 07:51:00 EST Ajo, AZ– Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, in response to guidance from Pima County/Arizona Health Department, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID19). As of March 29, 2020 Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument will offer limited services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. In addition to the Kris Eggle Visitor Center, all restrooms and campgounds will close on March 29th, 2020. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/new-release-organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument-is-modifying-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidance.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/news-release-organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument-is-modifying-operations-to-implement-local-health-guidance.htm Sat, 28 Mar 2020 06:25:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, in response to guidance from Pima County/Arizona Health Department, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID19). The Kris Eggle Visitor Center, Twin Peaks Campground, Alamo Campground, and all restrooms are closed until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/news-release-organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument-is-modifying-operations-to-implement-local-health-guidance.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/new-release-organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument-is-modifying-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidelines.htm Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:50:00 EST Ajo, AZ – Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/new-release-organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument-is-modifying-operations-to-implement-latest-health-guidelines.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/temp-rd-closure-at-w-border-rd-at-organ-pipe-cactus-nm.htm Thu, 10 Oct 2019 11:14:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has instituted a temporary road closure on the west border road (Roosevelt Reservation) from Monument Hill to Quitobaquito Springs, which includes all crossover routes from South Puerto Blanco Drive. Visitors should exercise caution on South Puerto Blanco Road due to presence of construction traffic. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/temp-rd-closure-at-w-border-rd-at-organ-pipe-cactus-nm.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/road-closure-at-southeast-border-implemented.htm Fri, 23 Aug 2019 15:13:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Organ Pipe Cactus NM) instituted a road closure on the southeast border road (Roosevelt Reservation) from Lukeville Port of Entry east to the Santa Rosa Mountains. The closure went in effect August 22, 2019, for vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and will remain in effect until further notice. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/road-closure-at-southeast-border-implemented.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument-proposes-fee-increases.htm Tue, 20 Jun 2017 11:59:00 EST For the first time since 2014, in order to meet the National Park Service (NPS) fee structure that was updated in that same year, Organ Pipe National Monument (NM) is proposing to increase the park's entrance and camping fees. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument-proposes-fee-increases.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/alamo-canyon-campground-restroom-facility-access-improvement.htm Wed, 08 Mar 2017 08:41:00 EST Notification of facilities improvement project at the Alamo Campground https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/alamo-canyon-campground-restroom-facility-access-improvement.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/christmas-bird-count-looking-for-help.htm Wed, 07 Dec 2016 10:21:00 EST Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument are looking for birders of all skill levels for this year’s Christmas Bird Count. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/christmas-bird-count-looking-for-help.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/tasting-history.htm Wed, 02 Nov 2016 09:26:00 EST Jesus Garcia, Director of the Kino Heritage Fruit Trees Project will present a program on the agricultural history of the Kino Missions. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/tasting-history.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/energy-efficiency.htm Wed, 26 Oct 2016 09:43:00 EST The National Park Service is working with the University of Arizona to perform energy audits of all park structures. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/energy-efficiency.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/desert-stewards.htm Fri, 16 Sep 2016 10:49:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus is launching a new annual volunteer program to celebrate National Public Lands Day. The new Desert Stewards program allows people to adopt an area of the park to clean-up, similar to the Adopt a Highway program. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/desert-stewards.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/2nd-year-ekip.htm Thu, 15 Sep 2016 10:58:00 EST Fourth Graders and their families are eligible for a free access pass to Public Lands and Waters nationwide https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/2nd-year-ekip.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/quitobaquito-work.htm Thu, 16 Jun 2016 05:49:00 EST Maintenance work is necessary on the earthen dam at Quitobaquito Pond to prevent habitat loss. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/quitobaquito-work.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/centennial-with-children.htm Tue, 17 May 2016 06:58:00 EST Over the past 6 months, Organ Pipe Cactus has reached over 500 local elementary student with opportunities to learn and explore the monument. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/centennial-with-children.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/national-park-rx-day.htm Thu, 14 Apr 2016 10:24:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus and Desert Senita Health Center encourages people to get active in the park with the "I Hike For Health" program https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/national-park-rx-day.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/natioanl-park-week-2016.htm Fri, 08 Apr 2016 10:08:00 EST Celebrate National Park Week with free admission and special events in Ajo, AZ. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/natioanl-park-week-2016.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/family-campout.htm Fri, 19 Feb 2016 07:15:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus hosted the 1st Family fun campout at the park introducing students and their families to camping in the desert. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/family-campout.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-centennial.htm Fri, 12 Feb 2016 03:19:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus is expanding its interpretive programming to highlight the Centennial of the National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-centennial.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/2015-wilderness-training.htm Wed, 09 Dec 2015 07:32:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus sponsored a Wilderness workshop with US Border Patrol, Ajo Station to explore wilderness stewardship and management. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/2015-wilderness-training.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/christmas-bird-count-2015.htm Mon, 30 Nov 2015 06:33:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge are looking for birders of all skills for the 2015 Christmas Bird Count. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/christmas-bird-count-2015.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/alamo-registration.htm Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:44:00 EST Effective October 1, Alamo Canyon Campground becomes a self- registration campground. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/alamo-registration.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/amd-periodic-closures.htm Tue, 25 Aug 2015 04:16:00 EST Beginning in August, the Ajo Mountain Drive will be periodically closed to allow for road upgrades. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/amd-periodic-closures.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/teacher-ranger-teacher.htm Mon, 20 Jul 2015 10:26:00 EST This year Organ Pipe Cactus was one of 27 national parks in the region selected to receive funding for a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher professional development opportunity. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/teacher-ranger-teacher.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/admin-officer.htm Fri, 17 Jul 2015 04:52:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus welcomes the newest member of the management team. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/admin-officer.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/fees-will-increase-october-1st.htm Mon, 01 Jun 2015 08:30:00 EST Beginning October 1, 2015 entrance fees and camping fees will increase at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/fees-will-increase-october-1st.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-film.htm Thu, 30 Apr 2015 10:00:00 EST The British Broadcasting Corporation will be visiting Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to film an upcoming 3 part series on the "Wild West." https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-film.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/owl-survey.htm Thu, 30 Apr 2015 09:00:00 EST On March 14, 2015 a group of 20 scientists, birders, and volunteers teamed up with park biologists to conduct and owl survey at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/owl-survey.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/tourism-impact.htm Thu, 23 Apr 2015 06:14:00 EST A National Park Service report shows that 224,547 visitors to Organ Pipe Cactus in 2014 spent $13.5 million in communities near the park and supported 195 jobs. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/tourism-impact.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/jr-rangers.htm Thu, 23 Apr 2015 06:05:00 EST On April 7th, the Duncan Family was all smiles as they earned their 53rd Junior Ranger Badge at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/jr-rangers.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/species-of-concern.htm Fri, 10 Apr 2015 08:56:00 EST Staff from six different agencies meet to discuss shared plant and animal species that are either listed or proposed to be listed as engandered or threatened https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/species-of-concern.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/outreach.htm Fri, 10 Apr 2015 08:46:00 EST For the past 3 months, Park Rangers have been spreading the word that the monument is open and is a great destination for visitors of all types. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/outreach.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-and-border-patrol-collaborate-on-reducing-need-for-motorized-vehicles-in-wilderness.htm Thu, 02 Apr 2015 08:17:00 EST National Park Service and US Border Patrol increase the use of horse patrol in designated wilderness areas. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-and-border-patrol-collaborate-on-reducing-need-for-motorized-vehicles-in-wilderness.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/your-fees-at-work.htm Fri, 06 Mar 2015 07:02:00 EST Entrance Fees help to pay for picnic area improvements https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/your-fees-at-work.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/proposed-fee-increases.htm Wed, 31 Dec 2014 08:15:00 EST Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is beginning public engagement seeking comments on possible changes in parks fee beginning in 2015. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/proposed-fee-increases.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/public-access-increases.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2014 07:20:00 EST All areas now available for public access at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/public-access-increases.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-reopens-to-visitors.htm Thu, 17 Oct 2013 09:16:00 EST The monument reopens its trails, roads, and visitor center after the partial government shutdown. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-reopens-to-visitors.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-cactus-has-scheduled-tours-to-historic-quitobaquito.htm Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:09:00 EST With the weather warming and visitors arriving, Organ Pipe Cactus has scheduled tours to historic Quitobaquito. “This year we have planned additional tours over last year. This is the only opportunity local residents and visiting public have to visit this historical area. Tours will enhance the public’s understanding of the history and cultural significance of Quitobaquito.” said Superintendent Lee Baiza. There are five tours scheduled: February 28 & 29; March 6, 7, 13, 14, 27 & 28. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/organ-pipe-cactus-has-scheduled-tours-to-historic-quitobaquito.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/wild-matters.htm Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:34:00 EST The Organ Pipe Cactus wilderness preserves the natural beauty of an expansive area within the Sonoran Desert Region of North America. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/wild-matters.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/pronghorn-release-2.htm Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:21:00 EST In late December 2011, the Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Team (SPRT) plans to release captive-bred, endangered Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) into Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/pronghorn-release-2.htm https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/outdoor-adventure-camp.htm Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:33:00 EST Participating agencies and partners sponsor a camp each year so students can experience the outdoors. Students in the camps learn outdoor skills such as leave no trace, hiking, camping, orienteering, photography, journal writing, and saguaro harvesting. https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/news/outdoor-adventure-camp.htm