Visiting the Monument
Description
Taking its name from one of the longest living trees in the Arizona desert, the 129,000-acre Ironwood Forest National Monument is a true Sonoran Desert showcase. Keeping company with the ironwood trees are mesquite, palo verde, creosote, and saguaro, blanketing the monument floor beneath rugged mountain ranges named Silver Bell, Waterman and Sawtooth. In between, desert valleys lay quietly to complete the setting.Elevations here range from 1,800 to more than 4,200 feet. Three areas within the monument, the Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archeological District, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Directions
From Tucson, take Interstate 10 west to Marana. Take Exit 236, turn left on Sandario Road for .1 mile, then turn right on Marana Road and go west about 5.8 miles to Silver Bell Road. Continue on Silver Bell Road to travel through the national monument. Visitors should have a detailed map.
Visitor Activities
Primitive camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife and plant viewing, horseback riding, photography, sightseeing, wildflower viewing in spring, hunting, birdwatching, fossil and geologic sightseeing, historic and archaeological sites.
Special Features
Ragged Top Mountain is the biological and geological crown jewel of the national monument. Several endangered and threatened species live here, including the Nichols turk’s head cactus and the lesser long-nosed bat. The national monument also contains habitat for the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl. The desert bighorn sheep dwelling in the region are the last viable population indigenous to the Tucson basin. The area holds abundant rock art sites and other archaeological objects of scientific interest. Humans have inhabited the area for more than 5,000 years. More than 200 sites from the prehistoric Hohokam period (600 A.D. to 1440 A.D.) have been recorded in the area. In more modern times, the area was a source of minerals and continues to support active mining operations today.
Permits, Fees, Limitations
No permits are required to visit the national monument. Vehicles must stay on existing routes.
Accessibility
There are no developed facilities on the monument.
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping is available on the monument. Lodging is available in Tucson and Casa Grande.
Food and Supplies
The nearest stores are in Marana or Tucson, AZ.
First Aid
There is no first-aid available on-site. The nearest hospitals are in Tucson or Casa Grande, AZ.
Additional Information
The monument is a travel corridor for illegal immigrants and drug smugglers traveling from Mexico. All suspected illegal activities should be reported to BLM or local law enforcement authorities. Visitors should stay safe by avoiding contact with persons exhibiting suspicious behavior or engaged in dangerous activities. Drive with caution and look for fast-moving vehicles and pedestrians on back roads. Some roads are rugged: high clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in those areas.Hazards include poisonous snakes, africanized bees, and potential encounters with illegal users of public land. Hunting is permitted through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The national monument contains state trust lands and private lands. Recreation on state trust lands requires a permit from the State of Arizona. Visitors should not trespass on private lands. Contact the for additional information.
Mark Lambert, Monument Manager
12661 East Broadway
Tucson, AZ 85748-7208
(520) 258-7200
When Visiting Southern Arizona
Bureau of Land Management public lands lie adjacent to 44 miles of the international border with Mexico. Visitors should be aware that narcotic smuggling activities occur within this national monument. If you see any activity that looks illegal, suspicious, or out of place, please do not intervene. Note your location and call 911, or report the activity to a law enforcement range as quickly as possible.
Be Aware, Be Safe
• Cell phone service is often out of range in many remote areas of the monument.• Know where you are at all times, follow good safety procedures and use common sense when making decisions.
• Do not pick up or approach hitch hikers.
• Keep valuables, including spare change, out of sight and lock your vehicle.
• Avoid traveling outside of well-marked roads and routes.
• People in distresss may ask for food, water or other assistance. Do not make contact. Report the location of the distressed people to the nearest BLM or other law enforcement authority.
• Report ANY suspicious behavior to the or contact Law Enforcement Dispatch at (623) 580-5515 as soon as possible.