In Southern Arizona, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is the perfect example of the Sonoran desert and its diverse ecology. Many plants and animals live here that could not survive anywhere else, and the cactus that give the park its name is an example of that diversity.

The best time to visit this desert park is early spring, when the cacti are all in bloom, or late fall, when the temperatures are cooling down. Close to the Mexican border, there are no concessions in the park, so find lodging nearby. The summer months are extremely hot, and the park is usually not very busy during that time. For sensational photography, try to visit late on a summer afternoon during the monsoon season, so you can catch the beauty of a severe summer thunderstorm. For more information about the park, visit the Web site.