RV Rentals California and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
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California
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One of the nation's most spectacular displays of desert life can be found at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The monument is best known for having the best preserves of the Organ Pipe Cactus and you can witness these rare desert species during your RV rentals California vacation.
What is an organ pipe?
The organ pipe, which is more common in Mexico, is distinguished from the Saguaro cactus, which can also be found at the monument, by having thinner stems and by branching mainly from the base instead of from up the central trunk. There is a third species of columnar cactus within the Monument, which, like the organ pipe, is not found anywhere else in the USA - the Senita. This cactus also branches from the base and has slightly thinner stems with fewer ribs and tufts of whitish hair around the growing points, and is found only in a few areas at the very south near the Mexican border. Within the Monument, species of opuntiae and ferocactus are widespread as well as other desert plants such as the ocotillo.
Scenic Drives
One of the main reasons Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has become so popular is for its stunning scenic views that are witnessed as visitors drive through in their RV rentals from California.
State road 85 passes through the centre of the Monument and on into Mexico but to get a better appreciation of the landscape it is recommended that visitors take one of the two scenic loop drives, which begin at the visitor centre. Each provides a different desert experience, so if you don't get a change to experience both in one trip, be sure to come back in your RV rentals California to experience both.
You can view the striking desert by taking the 52 mile Puerto Blanco Drive to the west or the 21 mile Ajo Mountain Drive to the east. This loop, which winds through the foothills of the lofty Ajo Mountain Range, passes by many thick stands of Organ Pipe cacti. The Puerto Blanco Drive twists through 53 miles of rolling desert landscape. The scenery is magnificent, with imposing volcanic mountains covered with many and varied desert plants, all with no sign of civilisation. The road heads towards the foothills of the Ajo Range, a high, rocky series of hills that form the eastern monument boundary and where there are two hiking trails; Estes Canyon/Bull Pasture loop, and a path up a short side canyon to a natural arch. Both of these roadways are unpaved and can be bumpy. Keep in mind that RV rentals in California that over 25 feet long are not allowed on either scenic drive.
More to See!
A scenic RV rentals California exploration through the desert is just a small taste of what you can see and do at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. If you are not familiar with organ pipes, then you can take a few minutes before you head out to view an audiovisual presentation at the visitor centre, helping you get acquainted with the desert environment including its plants and animals.
Once you are full of knowledge about the area, venture out and explore one of the established trails, which range in length an difficulty from a 0.1-mile nature loop at the visitor centre to strenuous hikes of more than four miles, round trip, that lead to abandoned mines and through steep canyons. In addition, the desert is well suited to cross-country hiking, but check with a ranger first to determine your route. Overnight hikes require a free backcountry permit, obtainable from the visitor center. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is also a bird-watching paradise, with approximately 40 desert birds making it their permanent habitat, and over 250 migratory species stopping by along their routes elsewhere.
There is something for everyone to enjoy during your RV rentals California vacation, so round up all your friends and family and experience the splendour of desert life!
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