Ironwood Forest National Monument
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Camping
Camping: Dispersed camping allowed up to 14 consecutive days.
Water: No potable water; pack in your own supply.
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Nearby Locations
Titan II Missile Interpretive Site
Silver Bell Cemetery
Sasco Ghost Town
Picacho Peak State Park
Ironwood Forest National Monument
We spent two nights camping at Ironwood Forest National Monument in January 2024. Along the main roads, we noticed numerous camping spots. Being equipped with a truck, we ventured off W Silverbell Road and found the perfect spot nestled at the base of two peaks, offering the best location in the area. There was only one other camper a good distance away, and we encountered just one other vehicle on our way in. After setting up camp, gathering firewood, and cooking a meal, we turned in early.
The next morning, we embarked on a hike between Ragged Top and Wolcott Peak. Although short, the hike was steep, rewarding us with breathtaking views of two valleys and distant sounds from Silverbell Mine trucks. The scenery was truly spectacular; you can view snapshots in my photo gallery. While we didn't spot desert bighorn sheep at the overhang/cave they're known to frequent, we did encounter them on the hills the following day. Throughout the night, we were serenaded by the calls of owls, and during one of my walks, I spotted a large jackrabbit and signs of javelinas. Our campsite also attracted a variety of birds.
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Ironwood Forest National Monument is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including saguaro cacti, desert wildflowers, desert bighorn sheep, and various bird species. It also contains significant archaeological sites, including remnants of ancient Hohokam settlements and petroglyphs created by Native American tribes.
The monument offers opportunities for camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and learning about the desert ecosystem and cultural history of the region. It's managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and provides a protected habitat for numerous plant and animal species in the Arizona desert.
Dispersed Camping
Arizona
Ironwood Forest National Monument, Marana, AZ 85653, United States
Pima County
32°28'02.8"N 111°28'29.6"W
Elevation: 2200 ft
Directions
The Ironwood Forest National Monument is located 25 miles northwest of Tucson and about one hour by highway south of Phoenix. There are two main points of entry: Interstate 10 at Avra Valley Road, and Interstate 10 from the Red Rock exit southwest on Sasco Road to Silverbell Road. Hike Arizona
Entry via Marana / Silverbell Road (recommended — paved access):From Tucson, take Interstate 10 west to Marana. Take Exit 236, turn left on Sandario Road for 0.1 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 Ironwood Forest National Monument. Hike Arizona
Entry via Avra Valley Road (alternate — paved most of the way):Take Avra Valley Road starting from Exit 242 of I-10 at Rillito. Head west approximately 10 miles through farmland and into the monument. Turn left onto Silver Bell Road (gravel) and follow it through the western foothills of the Silver Bell Mountains past Ragged Top Peak. Arizona Leisure
Entry via Red Rock / Sasco Road (northern approach):Take Sasco Road from the Red Rock exit off I-10. Proceed west to the sign and turn left onto Silverbell Road. You can follow Silverbell Road back to the freeway or take Pump Station Road to Avra Valley Road and return to I-10 that way. Note: The Santa Cruz River crossing at Sasco Road is often closed — check road conditions with the BLM before planning this route. AllTrailsAllTrails
From Chandler, AZ: Take I-10 South approximately 80 miles to the Marana Exit 236. Follow Marana Road west to Silverbell Road as above. (~80 miles, ~1 hour 15 minutes — verify with Google Maps)
Road conditions note: Some roads are rugged — high clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in those areas. Vehicles must stay on existing routes. Four-wheel drive is advisable during monsoon season when flash flooding can alter road conditions rapidly. Never attempt to cross a flowing wash. Distance CalculatorHike Arizona
Ironwood Forest National Monument
January 19-21 2024