Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Ranger Programs (U.S. National Park Service)

Have you ever wondered why Organ Pipe and Saguaro cacti don't grow in all the American deserts? How is the Sonoran Desert different from the others anyway? Some may say that curiosity killed the cat, but our rangers encourage it. Join us on one of our free interpretive programs as we share the stories behind your National Monument.

Our winter schedule is full from dawn till dusk, but things slow down with the heat of summer. Check program postings at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center or the Twin Peaks Campground for details.

Programs are subject to change. Please check with the Kris Eggle Visitor Center (520)-387-7302 for more information.

NPS

A guided hike through Estes Canyon gives visitors a chance to explore plant communities at the higher elevations in the monument.

GUIDED HIKES
When: Daily January - March, and
occasionally in December and April.
Go bird watching, walk to an abandoned copper mine, search for wildlife along a dry river bed, or learn the stories in the stones. All hikes take place in the morning, and are finished no later than 12 noon.

Joyce Craig

A volunteer captures the audience's imagination during his patio talk.

PATIO TALKS
When: Daily
10am, 1pm, and 3pm December-March
11am and 1pm November, April, and May
These 20-30 minute presentations take place on the back patio of the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. Subjects and presenters vary.

NPS

The Ajo Mountain Van Tour stops several times so people can get out and explore.

AJO MOUNTAIN VAN TOURS
When: 1pm daily January - March and
occasionally in December and April.
Take the opportunity to spend 3 hours with a ranger on a drive through one of the monument's most beautiful areas. Space is limited to 10 people per day, so be sure to call or visit the Kris Eggle Visitor Center early in your visit to reserve your space.

NPS

Rangers can show you some of the best fields of wild flowers during special tours.

EVENING PROGRAMS
When: Nightly January - March, and
occasionally in December and April.
End the day with a 45-60 minute slide show at the Twin Peaks Campground amphitheater. From cactus and hummingbirds, to cowboy music and cartoon characters, these programs are opportunities for our staff's personalities to really shine through.

SPECIAL LECTURES AND VAN TOURS
When: Occasionally January - March
These include guest speakers, trips to the best flower patches when they bloom, and out to the Quitobaquito oasis. Ask at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center if any are scheduled while you are in the park.

FREE PARK SLIDE SHOW
When: Daily 8am-4:45pm year-round
Can't make a Ranger Program, or just want to know more? Watch our 15 minute slide show, "Where Edges Meet: A Sonoran Sanctuary," which shows in the Kris Eggle Visitor Center.