Organ Pipe Cactus – Bates Well Ranch
The Bates Well Ranch , also known as the Bates Well, Growler Well, Gray Ranch and El Veit, was one of the fifteen ranches and line camps in the Gray family cattle business in the Sonoran Desert country north of the US-Mexico border in Pima County, Arizona. Operating for nearly 60 years, the ranch is now part of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
The main ranch house was moved from Growler Mine to Bates Well in 1942, re-used in traditional frontier and Gray family practice. Probably originating as a miners’ cabin, the northern portion was presumably added after its relocation at Bates Well. The original well may have been dug by W.B. Bates about 1870, with a later well dug by Reuben Daniels circa 1913. An arrastra, a simple ore-milling operation, existed in the early 20th century. The property was developed by Robert Louis Gray’s son, Henry from 1935 on. Henry lived there until his death in 1976.
The Bates Well property represents a very complete and intact example of the frontier ranching pattern in Arizona typical of the Sonoran Desert during the first third of the twentieth century. Ranching operations ceased in 1976. The ranch consists of a configuration of corrals, outbuildings, and windmills, along with a main ranch house.
Where it is:
Bates Well Ranch is situated along the northern edge of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in an area that has long been known as an oasis of human habitation within the Sonoran Desert.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
GPS:
Cost:
There is no gate at the monument entrance; entrance fees are paid for at the visitor center.
Single-Visit Entrance Fee
Easily purchase the following passes ahead of time online at Recreation.gov or in-person at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center. Single-visit entrance fees pay for admission to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and are valid for seven days after purchase.
- Vehicles: $25
This fee includes all occupants of a non-commercial vehicle. - Motorcycle: $20
Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s). - Individuals: $15
This fee applies to bicycles and walk-ins (per person)
America The Beautiful Interagency Passes are accepted.
Hours:
There are limited services inside Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. A small selection of snacks are sold in the bookstore at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center.
Organ Pipe Cactus – Bates Well Ranch Photo Gallery
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More Photographic Destinations in Arizona
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Great Places for Great Photos
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Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
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