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KIM*
Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Phoenix
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Posted: 3/10/2009, 9:48 am Post subject: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument |
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I have a friend visiting next month and she wants to explore Organ Pipe Cactus NM. I'm not too familiar with this Monument. Does anyone have suggestions on areas that we should visit and explore? We plan to be there for 3 days.
Thanks!
Kim |
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Suz
Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186
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Posted: 3/10/2009, 10:02 am Post subject: |
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A bunch of us were once there and hiked in the rain on a beautiful trail through Arch Canyon, I believe it was called.
I'd put a link up to the pictures in the gallery but I'm at work with a MAC MOUSE and it won't seem to cooperate...sorry.....maybe I'll get a little help. |
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sherileeaz
Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 874
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Posted: 3/10/2009, 10:45 am Post subject: Organ Pipe NM, AJO, AZ |
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http://www.nps.gov/orpi/
Here's a link for additional information.
Hope this helps out.
Sheri |
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sherileeaz
Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 874
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gpsjoe
Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Posts: 535 Location: Mesa AZ
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Posted: 3/10/2009, 12:16 pm Post subject: |
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The premium hike in the area is Mount Ajo peak. I did the write-up of this for HAZ where there are plenty of photosets as well. See http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=725
It is rated 4.9 out of 5 by nine hikers who chose to rate it. It is difficult and steep as you approach the summit. Please also note that the whole area gets really hot very soon now and you should carry plenty of water and start as early as possible to capture the lower temperatures in the morning. _________________ Become a skilled GPS user and it will set you free! |
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desertgirl
Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ
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BoyNhisDog The dangerous place where the winds meet
Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1375 Location: Tucson
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Posted: 3/10/2009, 1:07 pm Post subject: |
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The backcountry in OrganPipe is still closed to overnight backpacking but at least they have opened it back up for day hiking. It was all shut down for a period, no day hiking even. It is a very high traffic smuggling route. We did a lot of backpacking in there in the mid to late '70s and it was a smuggling hot spot then as well. A college buddy and I were pulled over by a pair of Customs agents back then as we were exiting the park and the entire car was tossed by one as the other held us at shotgun point. Rucksack stuff strewn everywhere, those guys are a riot, no sense of humor.
It is a crazy fun area to hike in though. If you like campground camping with beau coup RVs you will be okay, at least that is how I remember driving past the campgrounds. The backcountry was best. There are a million places to hide up there. _________________ Seize from every moment its unique novelty and do not prepare your joys
- Andre Gide |
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Deborah
Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 297 Location: Tucson
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Posted: 3/10/2009, 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, Mt. Ajo is an excellent hike, and so is Arch Canyon.
There is a small back country campground called Alamo Canyon.
It has been a while at least 10 years. But we did an excellent loop hike no trail bushwhack called Grass Canyon Loop from Alamo Canyon Campground. Up Grass Canyon/ Down Alamo Canyon
6.2 miles 1,255 feet elevation gain. It was strenous to say the least, but fun.
Use a good Topo Map of the area. I wrote notes in my guide book " Hiking AZ Cactus Country" . 4 liters of water and a stick!
Also if you camp in the Park campground make sure to secure all your food before hiking . We camped down there a few years ago and some of our friends left a cooler out. When we got back her Tortillas were gone and some other food thrown around. We camped on the outer edge of the campground so we didn't have any other campers around us.
We think some hungry " hikers" came by and searched the cooler for food. _________________ Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. - Rachel Carson |
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KIM*
Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Phoenix
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Posted: 3/11/2009, 9:36 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you for the suggestions!! I can't wait to explore this area. I hope I don't run into any "Coyotes". |
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azbackpackr Hi Tech Wizardess
Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 3639 Location: Needles CA
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Posted: 3/12/2009, 11:15 am Post subject: |
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Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Say it fast three times, if you can! A real tongue-twister! |
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