Laws & Policies

A number of laws and policies guide the management of the park, starting with the founding legislation that created Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. For more information about the policies that guide the National Park Service as a whole, including Management Policies and specific policy topics, visit the NPS Office of Policy.

Regulations

Park rangers enforce a number of federal regulations in the park, including the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36 (36 CFR), and the United States Code, Titles 16, 18 and 21. Within 36 CFR, park superintendents are granted the right to make park-specific regulations to maintain public health and safety, protect environmental or scenic values, protect natural and cultural resources, aid in scientific research, provide for equitable use of facilities, and avoid conflict among visitor use activities. These park-specific regulations are found in the Superintendent's Compendium. Included below is a partial list of park regulations.

Accidents

Accidents must be reported to park rangers if property damage or personal injury are involved.

Alcohol Use/Possession

The following areas are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:

• All public buildings and facilities.

• Parking lots and pull-outs

It is illegal to be in the park when under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. The possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor (less than 21 years old) is prohibited.

ATVs/Motorbikes

All motorized vehicles are prohibited on park trails. However, street legal all-terrain vehicles are permitted on park roads.

Camping

Camping is permitted only in designated campsites at the Twin Peaks and Alamo Canyon Campgrounds.

Feeding Wildlife

Feeding wildlife is prohibited. All stored foods must be in a hard-sided locker or vehicle, or kept in such a manner as to be inaccessible to foraging animals.

Fires/Firewood

Contained charcoal fires are only allowed in above ground grills in the campgrounds and in designated picnic areas. Collecting firewood is not permitted anywhere in the park.

Firearms

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit Arizona's state’s website.Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.

Fireworks

The possession or use of fireworks or firecrackers is prohibited.

Horses

The use of horses and other pack animals is permitted on the certain trails, routes, and roads in the park. For more information, please contact the visitor center by calling [phone].

Hours of Operation

Park roads and trails are open 24 hours a day. The Kris Eggle visitor center is only open from 8am to 5pm seven days a week, excluding major holidays.

Hunting

Hunting and trapping are prohibited.

Pets

Pets must be leashed (six feet or less) or otherwise physically restrained at all times. For details about where you can and can't go with your pet, visit the Pets page or contact the visitor center by calling [phone].

Permits

Permits are required for activities such as scientific research and collecting, commercial photography/filming, commercial tours and activities, etc. Please see the Superintendent's Compendium for a complete list of activities and events that require a permit.

Public Property/Natural and Cultural Features

The possession, injury, destruction, removal, or disturbance of park property or natural resources, including animals, plants, minerals, cultural, and archaeological objects is prohibited. This includes collecting rocks, plants, other natural materials, and historic objects and artifacts.

RVs/Load, Weight, and Size Limits

RVs are permitted in the park, but some areas are not accessible due to vehicle length restrictions. The maximum length of motor homes permitted on the Ajo Mountain Drive and the Puerto Blanco Loop is 25 feet

Seat Belts

Federal law requires that seat belts are worn when driving or riding as a passenger in a national park.