This morning we left the RV in Gunsite Wash and drove 20 miles south to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, one of 47 biosphere reserves in the US and the only place in the US where the Organ Pipe Cactus grows.  A sample was planted in front of the visitor center:

On the nature trail, we passed a Mistletoe plant growing on a Palo Verde:

This fellow was warming up for the day as we walked by:

We decided to drive the 20 mile loop road through the park.  The guided drive book pointed out points of interest, including this rare cristate deformity on this Organ Pipe Cactus:

Saguaro and Organ Pipe cacti share the slopes here:

This massive Organ Pipe Cactus, thought to be one of the largest in the park, has extensive cristate growth:

Close-up of the cristate arm:

At Echo Canyon, two natural arches look over the valley below:

We decided to take the two-mile hike into and out of the canyon.  It was listed as “Easy to Moderate”, but it quickly got steep:

It eventually became so steep that good sense dictated we turn back.  The valley was wide open as we exited the canyon:

Continuing our drive, the guide book pointed out a cristate Saguaro in the distance, seen here in the center of the frame:

Returning to the visitor center, the kids received their Junior Ranger badges:

Trish received her Desert Ranger patch, a certification program for adults.  This park is the only one to issue this patch:

We returned to the RV and hitched up.  We intended to stop to shower and dump at a gas station in Gila Bend, AZ, but by the time we got there it was dark, so we decided to stay here for the night and continue on to Yuma tomorrow.  See the trip map for details.