Seems like a purposely negative and sensationalistic article. Even then they said: "
Now, ten years after Eggle's murder, the park's leadership has decided to open up a portion of the closed areas to the public in March, citing improved safety conditions and a big increase in Border Patrol agents in the area."
We were there a year ago this week and it was a lovely place. No issues at all as long as you stayed out of the closed areas. We took the guided van tour around the loop route because we were driving the truck. We did not stay at the campground, though it looked nice when we walked through. We stayed at Shadow Ridge RV in Aho, about 30 miles north.
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Michael Fisher wrote: The article is saying that it is open and safe.
I didn't get that same impression.. It sounded to me like it's open and you can take a guided tour by armed guards while border patrol agents are hidden in the bushes watching your every move as the area while they were in it was considered to be hostile.. I must have misread.. I guess that DOES sound like you're well protected but not sure if I'd classify it as "Safe"
The guided tour is to Quitobaquito springs - a natural spring-fed pond that sits right on the Mexico border that, the last time we were there is/was marked only by a falling down, 3-strand, barbed wire fence. It is a well known crossing place for border crossers.
Yes, parts of the Monument are closed to the public but the rest of it is open. A great place to visit with a lovely camp ground and friendly helpful staff. As long as you are sensible and listen to the staff I would not hesitate to see this great place.
The OP, IMHO, relishes in finding scary news stories, regarless of the source.
We'll no, I just saw this and it came to mind since someone mentioned going to Organ Pipes not too long ago. We're headed to Chiricahua this year which isn't too far from the border. But I don't think there are snipers in the hills there.
I think that article is being overly dramatic. Have kept in contact with several couples camping near Organ Pipe this winter and all is fine. In fact I know of no less than 5 couples who've been there this winter, two of which spent several weeks in the area. Not a peep of a problem.
The campground and adjacent areas are completely safe -- or as safe as any other place in the USA. The "bad" people do not want to be in an area with lots of "good" people and border police driving up and down the highways. But Organ Pipe is a large area. The "backcountry" may be a different story -- the same as any large city in the USA. If you want to see the real SW of the USA this the place. Do not miss it.
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We are heading east out of here in the next couple weeks for a little trip and had already decided to stop by Organ Pipe for a day or two. No hesitation at all about being there.
At Quartzsite last month there was a Ranger from Organ Pipe in one of the booths so they are actively encouraging RVers to stop by. If they were experiencing problems I doubt whether they would have sent that Ranger to the Q.
I consider myself to be a cautious guy but border problems on this side are minimal -- contrary to what you might hear now and then. We will be doing the Tombstone, Bisbee, Douglass, Columbus route over as far as El Paso. Have no concerns at all -- even along route 9 next to the border in New Mexico.
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