Stargazing at Organ Pipe

Alamo Canyon provides fantastic opportunities for night photography.

Photo/Chris Rea

Organ Pipe showcases some of the best night sky viewing in southern Arizona.   

Some recommended spots at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument are

• Pinkley Peak Picnic Area
  • This location is about 5 miles up North Puerto Blanco Drive and has a paved picnic area and restroom that makes it a convenient area to stargaze and set up telescopes. 
• Desert View Trail
  • The Desert View Trail is within walking distance of Twin Peaks Campground, but is set far enough back that it gets away from some of the light pollution of the campground. This trail is unpaved and has uneven terrain, so please be cautious in your footing while hiking. 
• Ajo Mountain Wayside and Tillotson Waysides
  • These waysides are located off of Highway 85 and both have flat parking lots and paved sidewalks. Ajo Mountain Wayside is located about 6 miles south of the monument's northern boundary, on the west side of Highway 85. Tillotson Wayside is located about 2 miles north of the Visitor Center, on the eastern side of Highway 85. 
• Alamo Canyon Campground
  • Despite the presence of a campground, with only 4 tent spots the light pollution at Alamo Canyon can be minimal. This location is great for night photography as the large organ pipe cacti and canyon cliffs provide interesting foregrounds for night shots. 
• Bates Well Road
  • This dirt/gravel road passes through some of the darkest skies in the monument due to its remoteness and distance from Ajo and park facility buildings. 

 

Night Ranger Programs

During the park's busy season (typically January through March), the park hosts guided night sky hikes and stargazing sessions with telescopes. Check with the visitor center to see if any night events are scheduled. 
 

Some Considerations

• Bring a red tinted flashlight so that you can safely walk about without hurting your night vision. It takes 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to darkness.
• Check the weather. Clouds can block your view and make for poor stargazing.
• Check the moon. If you want to see the Milky Way, visit during a new moon for darkest skies. 
• While stargazing can be done year round, May and June are considered peak times to viewing the Milky Way. 
• Be aware that wildlife in the desert are often more active at night, including animals like snakes and scorpions. Be cautious with your footing, and don't put your hands or feet anywhere where you can't see them.
• Be aware that illegal border crossings and activities do occur in the monument, more often in backcountry areas and at night. While your chances of encountering illegal activities are very slim, you can reduce your chances by sticking to official trails and areas near the campground and visitor center.

Details

Activity

Astronomy

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are welcome on the Palo Verde Trail, Campground Perimeter Trail, the Visitor Center Nature Trail, and all roads open to visitors, including the paved campground areas. Pets must be kept on a leash of 6 feet or less at all times, and are not allowed on any other trails or in the wilderness.

Activity Fee

Yes

Activity fee included in general park entrance fee. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Night, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Accessibility can vary greatly depending on where you are stargazing. The Ajo Mountain and Tillotsen Waysides have paved, wheelchair accessible sidewalks, as does the Pinkley Peak Picnic Area. For more information, visit the park's accessibility website or speak with a ranger at the visitor center.