#Ironwood Forest National Monument

[dbtucson-blog]

Fallen Angel

[40seasons]

Along the way

[bingwallpaper]

Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona, USA

Massive succulents against a mountainous backdrop, underneath the sun-kissed sky—it's prickly perfection. Pictured here are saguaro (pronounced 'sah-wah-roh') cacti at Arizona's Ironwood Forest National Monument in the Sonoran Desert of North America. Even if you haven't seen one in person, when you hear the word cactus, you're probably thinking of saguaro—tall, green, cylindrical, with arms pointing upward. Though they are slow growers, these plants have been known to live over 200 years and reach enormous heights, with one setting the record at 23.8 metres. Another saguaro cactus, known as 'Grandaddy,' survived in the sweltering desert for about 300 years, eventually succumbing to old age in the early 1990s. Cacti may not be for everyone, but they tend to grow on you (figuratively, of course)!

© Jack Dykinga/Minden Pictures

[mellownomadicadventures]

From the 2023 Arizona Ironwood Nomadic YouTube Meetup #arizonaironwoodmeetup #arizonameetup #meetinarizona #nomadicmeetup #youtubemeetup #offgridliving #offgridlife #offgridlifestyle #boondockinglife #boondocking #minivancamperconversion #minivancamper #minivancampervan #minivancamperclub #minivanmovement #minivanlife #minivan #minivancamping #minivanmafia #minivanliving #mellownomadicadventures #mellownomadic #nomadicadventures #mellownomads #nomadicmovement #weirdosunite #arizonacamping #sunsetlovers #arizonasunset #singleinarizona (at Ironwood Forest National Monument) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co3CY9-yeig/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thrivingmindsacademy]

Discovering the Gems: Top Neighborhoods of Apache Junction, AZ

Apache Junction, Arizona, is a charming desert city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm community, Apache Junction offers an array of unique neighborhoods that cater to various lifestyles. In this blog, we'll explore the top neighborhoods that make Apache Junction a desirable place to live, each with its own distinct characteristics and attractions.

Ironwood Forest National Monument

This Ironwood Forest National Monument is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between.

Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 4,261 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.

The monument is a travel corridor for illegal immigrants traveling from Mexico. All suspected illegal activities should be reported to BLM or local law enforcement authorities. 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.

San Marcos, Texas

San Marcos is a city and the county seat of Hays County, Texas, United States. The city is a part of the Greater Austin Metropolitan Area. San Marcos's limits extend into Caldwell and Guadalupe Counties, as well. San Marcos is on the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio.

In the city, the population was distributed as 15.4% under 18, 41.9% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 10.7% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 23 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,809, and for a family was $37,113. Males had a median income of $25,400 versus $22,953 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,468. About 13.8% of families and 28.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.1% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.

StarCare’s Sunrise Canyon Hospital

StarCare’s Sunrise Canyon Hospital is the state designated Local Authority for mental health and intellectual disabilities in Lubbock, Lynn, Hockley, Cochran and Crosby counties and the Local Authority for substance use disorders for 41 counties in the West Texas region. 

StarCare is also a Texas Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and provides adult inpatient psychiatric services at Sunrise Canyon Hospital. StarCare is also proud to provide veteran support services via VetStar, aging services via the Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) delivered by Silver Star, and much more!   

Like our 38 sister centers across the state, StarCare’s beginning is founded in President John F. Kennedy’s signing into law the Community Mental Health Act (also known as the Mental Retardation and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963), which authorized federal grants for construction of public or nonprofit community mental health centers to provide inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, emergency care and consultation/education services. This law helped people with mental illnesses who were “warehoused” in hospitals and institutions move back into their communities. 

Thriving Minds Academy is a renowned institution dedicated to providing exceptional education and support for children with autism. With a team of highly trained professionals and a nurturing environment, it stands as the epitome of an autism school. Through personalized programs tailored to each student's unique needs, they empower children to reach their full potential. The academy's state-of-the-art facilities and innovative teaching methods ensure a holistic approach to education, encompassing academics, life skills, and social development. At Thriving Minds Academy, families can find solace and confidence knowing that their child's education is in the hands of the best in the field.

Thriving Minds Academy 850 S Ironwood Dr Ste #110, Apache Junction, AZ 85120, United States +1 480-806-8000 https://thrivingmindsaz.com/ https://www.google.com/maps?cid=9988130058033023683

[oldpueblocyclist]

Desert Chicory in Ironwood Forest National Monument

[westernpining]

Ragged Top Mountain by Lars Hammar The mountain that never gets old. Ironwood Forest National Monument.

[drdandy]

PROTECT OUR NATIONAL MONUMENTS

Hey guys. I know you’re all sick of the US imploding, and sick of politics, but this is important and seems to be flying below the radar. As a former resident of Idaho who has loved and spent much of my youth in these places, this means a lot to me. Can you please take a moment to read this and take some action? The US Department of the Interior, per Executive Order 13729 of President Trump wants to roll back our national monuments.  This order was pushed out April 26th 2017 and any park that was expanded since 2000 is up for review. One park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, is up for complete obliteration. They claim that the parks were expanded without proper public discourse, or that the lands may be a drain on our Federal land management funds, but this is, of course, bogus. No president has EVER attempted to turn back a park created under the 1906 US Antiquities act. THIS IS AN UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGE AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND OUR SHARED LAND. This act was meant to protect lands that were valuable for historic, geological, or ecological reasons, lands that are unique to the United States of America. Anyone with a brain and a map can figure out why they want to roll back these expansions. The current director of the DOI has a spotty history of approving coal mining, despite it’s harms to people and the environment and has vacillated on the issues of climate change. 

This is a map of current coal reserves.

Here is is that same map with the approximate locations of the parks overlaid. I am aware not all the parks lay on coal reserves–those that don’t lay on what could potentially be oil drilling sites (Caliornia coasts, Oregon), logging (California, Maine, Montana, Washington), cattle ranching (Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Colorado) or recreational hunting (Idaho). Furthermore, they’ve included 5 off coast Maritime National Monuments under the protection of the US, for oil drilling and commercial fishing. These locations were all created under the Obama administration and represent an attempt to protect maritime life and save the traditions of maritime peoples, like the Native Hawaiians. Many of the below locations have seen mass pollution and endangered species get turned around. They are geologically, historically, and ecologically valuable. Those places are:

The Mariana Trench Maritime National Monument

Northeast Canyons and Seamount Maritime National Monument

Pacific Remote Islands Maritime National Monument

Papahanaumokuakea Maritime National Monument

Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

All the places up for review?

They’re all Here.

SO WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP, DRDANDY? Go to this website and write a review urging the DOI to protect these lands in their review. Whether you reside in the US or are an international who has visited and cares about these places–PLEASE COMMENT. As of today, May 22nd 2017, we only have 69k worth of comments. 

You can call or email Randall Bowman at 202-208-1906 or  RR_Bowman@ios.doi.gov I also urge you to mail a review to: Monument Review, MS-1530, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240. BLOW THIS UP.  REBLOG THIS. FLOOD THE DOI. PROTECT OUR LANDS. WE ONLY HAVE UNTIL JULY 10th, 2017.

[mypubliclands]

Local partnership increases healthy desert bighorn sheep populations across southeastern Arizona

Desert bighorn sheep populations across southeastern Arizona have greatly increased thanks to an ongoing partnership between the BLM, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), and the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society (ADBSS). Through the partnership, sheep from large herd areas on BLM-managed public land are relocated to lesser populated areas with similar land features.

A Fall 2018 relocation from the Silver Bell bighorn sheep population in the Ironwood Forest National Monument is an example of a successful project made possible by this partnership. This herd, which was one of the few remaining historical populations of bighorn sheep in southeastern Arizona, was reduced in number by disease in 2003. Cooperative efforts by the BLM, AGFD, ADBSS, and private landowners ensured the population survived.

In October 2003, 4,800 domestic goats wandered onto state trust land near the Ironwood Forest National Monument with 400 to 500 escaping and trespassing into the Monument. “Those escapees (goats) carried two diseases that infected and dramatically reduced the native desert bighorn sheep population in the monument from about 80 to 50 in a matter of months,” said AGFD Wildlife Science Coordinator Jim Heffelfinger. Because of quick action by ADBSS and other partners coordinated by the AGFD and BLM’s Tucson Field Office, the goats were removed and the remaining sheep were treated with medications.

Over subsequent years, the BLM and the AGFD worked together to construct a new wildlife water catchment and rebuild a number of other wildlife water catchments in the monument. “Because of these efforts, the bighorn sheep population in the monument soared to more than 200 animals by 2017, and provides an abundant source of desert bighorns for relocation to other historic habitat in southern Arizona,” said retired BLM Natural Resource Specialist Darrell Tersey.

In November 2018, the AGFD spearheaded an effort to capture 30 bighorns and transport them to the Picacho Mountains on BLM-managed public land. The land was a historic range for the sheep until the 1930s when their population declined due to over hunting prior to the creation of state hunting regulations. The release area was only 17 miles away as the crow flies, but impossible for the sheep to reach because of man-made barriers including an interstate highway, railroad tracks, and a large canal fenced on both sides with 10-foot tall chain link fencing.   The capture crew was efficient, one time bringing as many as five sheep at once to the volunteers to be checked by veterinarians and ear tagged. AGFD staff placed radio collars on ten of the desert bighorn sheep. 

“The capture was planned to take two days, but everyone stepped up and made the target of 30 sheep ready for transport by the end of the first day,” said AGFD Region 5 Terrestrial Wildlife Specialist Rana Tucker. The bighorn sheep, including those with radio collars, were transported to the new location and released.  The radio collars will provide information on sheep movement within the habitat.

The AGFD’s Tucson office regularly collects the collar data and shares it with the BLM and other partners to document the status of the native wild bighorn sheep moved to the historic use areas on public lands. Six months later, the data from the relocation to BLM lands indicates that none of the collared bighorn sheep have died or moved elsewhere.

Typically, second and third translocations are necessary to get the bighorn sheep close to a self-sustaining level with good genetic diversity. In this case, because they are doing so well, the AGFD may not have to do a third translocation to this area.

Partnerships like this one ensure that desert bighorn sheep will continue to thrive in southeastern Arizona and provide a wealth of hunting opportunities and wildlife viewing opportunities now and into the future.

The fifty-year strong partnership supports the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Secretarial Order 3356 that directs bureaus to coordinate with states, tribes and territories in planning and decision-making that impacts hunting, fishing and recreational shooting access. It also supports Secretarial Order 3362 that directs DOI bureaus to evaluate how their lands can contribute to State or other efforts to improve the quality and condition of priority big game winter and migration corridor habitat and improve hunting and fishing access, opportunities, and game species habitat and population management directives.

Story by Darrell Tersey, retired BLM Tucson Field Office Natural Resource Specialist; June Lowery, BLM Gila District Public Affairs Specialist; Rana Tucker, Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 5 Game Specialist.

Photos courtesy of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

[boondockerblog]

Day 16 (Ironwood Forest Nat'l Monument)

Now that we've been here 5 days we better tell you why this is a National Monument.  It's 129,000 acres have historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. And it has one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert. What is Ironwood? It's a deciduous tree (not that we're seeing them in the desert valley we're in so they must be in the 3 mountain ranges) known for it's super hard wood. So now you know.

Pretty diverse terrain with 3 desert mountain ranges, with desert valleys in between, making elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,261 feet. And 3 areas are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (mostly from archeological digs).

Look at all the snow in the mountains! That's what happens from 2 days of rain in the desert. In fact, the weather report in this area even differentiates from below 2000 ft,  above 2000 ft and above 4000 ft.

Yes, we're on day 2 of rain most of the day. Even hail. Despite this cozy looking pic, Miss Madelyn was not a happy girl to stay inside most of the day (especially after having done the same yesterday).

[dbtucson-blog]

Mothership

[40seasons]

Although earlier than The Forty Seasons, this shot was one of many that inspired the series of environmental portraits.

[mellownomadicadventures]

2023 Arizona Ironwood Nomadic YouTube meetup was an enormous success! There was 29 different nomadic rigs and 38 nomads! We had some cool outings, ate delicious food, and had campfires every night! Thank you to Steve of @desert_adventures_in_arizona and his wife Oki who were co-organizers and hosts for this 2nd annual event! Are you interested in the 2024 meetup? Find the 2024 Arizona Ironwood Nomadic YouTube meetup group on Facebook. #desertadventuresinarizona #mellownomadicadventures #fit4expeditionfunseekers #ronseesamerica #mellownomadic #minivancamperconversion #minivanlife #minivancamperclub #minivanlifediaries #minivanmovement #vanlife #vanlifedistrict #vanlifediaries #vanlifemovement #vanlifelovers #youtubecreator #youtubelivestream #youtubecreators #youtubemaker #youtuber #arizonalover #arizonalove #onlyinarizona #arizonalife #arizonalifestyle #meetinarizona #ironwoodmeetup #ironwoodforestnationalmonument #nationalmonument #boondockinglife (at Ironwood Forest National Monument) https://www.instagram.com/p/CodUcYNP0Hx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[aestheticvoyage2019]

Day 236: Saturday August 24, 2019 - “Ragged Road”

I really love my Backpackers Magazine - its great.  Last week, flipping through the Fall issue, a “hidden gem” literally was within driving range, just like the article suggested!  And now it called to me, and so I spent my Saturday night out there looking for and being introduced to, ole Ragged Top in the Ironwood Forest National Monument west of Marana.  

Felt like Mother Nature was welcoming me to the party and asking if I missed this....  that certain amount of adrenaline spurt doing something mildly stupid, out on the road.  For sure, I do!  Thats some rough new track out there!  They could have easily named this “Ragged Road” - the magazine hadnt mentioned anything about needing a high clearance vehicle.  Luckily, through test of experience, I knew Silver was up for it....or at least I hoped.  After clearing the first two obstalces, I figured “in for a dime, in for a dollar” - hey, wait - isnt that one of the rules?  Exactly. Press on, cowboy.  I had a plan in place should I get stuck in these sandy washes.  I made it in, and then back out, living to hike another day.  Silver had some big bruises to show for the effort, but also collected a story to go along with a collection of tracks run imitating a Jeep.  Its been a good horse, and today, it was proved to still be.  The pictures, the scenery, the walkabout looking for snakes, had nothing on the experience of that painful drive!  If I ever come back to summit and hike this beautiful rock, I’ll have to do it from someone else’s car/truck/SUV/tank!  But damn that sure felt great.

It took me a lot longer to make it back to the North Gully, and with the sun setting here in the Pueblo much earlier than most anywhere else (7p tonight), I only got to kickaround in the wash out there for about 30 minutes before deciding I needed to resume the battle ro(ad)yale while I still had sunlight. Before I left, I met the Ironwood tree, saw a snake and lizards that ran fast and jumped, was impressed by the different level green the prickly pears achieve out here, and snapped some decent shots of todays muse.   As I bumped my way back out of there the sun set all around me.  Beaming off the tall proud Saguaros, practicing or celebrating their individual expression of stubbornness.  The sky lit up growing monsoon clouds, safely in the distance, beautiful like big whales in the sky.  I was happy to get back on pavement.  Still got a bumper?!   Whew!  A little to much gravel in my travel!  

Pretty and desolate place out there - the depths of the wild so close to civilization.   Definitely need to play out here more.  Now that Ive had a sniff of Ragged Top, I want to know all it can teach, and if the first act stoked the palate of my nature-hunger with an eventful scootcher in the desert.

Song: Rodney Atkins - Take  A Back Road

Quote: “It was a lone tree burning on the desert. A heraldic tree that the passing storm had left afire. The solitary pilgrim drawn up before it had traveled far to be here and he knelt in the hot sand and held his numbed hands out while all about in that circle attended companies of lesser auxiliaries routed forth into the inordinate day, small owls that crouched silently and stood from foot to foot and tarantulas and solpugas and vinegarroons and the vicious mygale spiders and beaded lizards with mouths black as a chowdog's, deadly to man, and the little desert basilisks that jet blood from their eyes and the small sandvipers like seemly gods, silent and the same, in Jeda, in Babylon. A constellation of ignited eyes that edged the ring of light all bound in a precarious truce before this torch whose brightness had set back the stars in their sockets.”  ― Cormac McCarthy

[obeourbigescape]

New Post has been published on https://ourbigescape.com/ironwood-forest-national-monument/

8 Best Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Sites

Have you ever been to or heard of the Ironwood Forest National Monument? When looking for the perfect family vacation for the summer or spring break, you may want something that has attractions that the kids will love and you may want to try new experiences. One thing that didn’t cross your mind was taking your family to a monument. You may have heard about the Ironwood Forest National Monument from a family member or friend.

If you have never visited the Ironwood Forest National Monument, there are several reasons why you should. This monument is known for its wildlife and trails to hike on. People come from all over the world to see the scenery. When you look at it from a distance, the landscape is incredible. It takes your breath away and you must stop and take everything in before you move on to any of the activities they have to offer at the monument.

Before you decide to visit, it’s best to learn about the history of the Ironwood Forest National Monument. You will find out a little more about how it became one of the most popular destinations to visit all year round.

Other Posts About Boondocking and Hiking

16 Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Free Camping and Boondocking Spots 17 Free Canyon de Chelly National Monument Boondocking Spots 18 Great Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Boondocking Locations Top 10 Chiricahua National Monument Boondocking Locations 15 Hard Saguaro National Park Hiking Areas

8 Best Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Sites

1. Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Locations – Ironwood Forest NM Dispersed

Address Pipeline Road Marana, Arizona GPS: 32.45514, -111.45866 Elevation: 2280′

Management Public – Bureau of Land Management (Official)

You may stay 14 days at Ironwood Forest NM Dispersed. There are no developed campsites with facilities within the national monument. Visitors can pick their own campsite, but please camp at least 200 feet from water sources and use biodegradable soap.

2. Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Campsites – Iron Wood Forest

Address Marana, Arizona GPS: 32.451147, -111.375582

Management Public – Bureau of Land Management (Unofficial)

The road in is Paved. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. Just off a many times patched, paved road. Desert, but you can pitch a tent or park a rig. No facilities. Quiet at night, on national Forest I believe. Stayed here one night, the morning had a bit of traffic coming in and out, some bicycle riders.

3. Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Spots – Ironwood Forest National Monument

Address Marana, Arizona GPS: 32.44358, -111.37506 Elevation: 2005′

Management Public – Bureau of Land Management (Unofficial)

The road in is Dirt and 10 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. Use El Tiro road to get from I10 to here. Don’t use Silverbell road, there is a 6000 lb limit bridge on that road and any sized rig simply is to heavy. The area is very nice, please continue to keep it nice.

4. Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Locations – W Manville Rd BLM

Address Tucson, Arizona GPS: 32.293854, -111.35112 Elevation: 2119′

Management Public – Bureau of Land Management (Unofficial)

The maximum RV length at W Manville Rd BLM is Any. You may stay 14 Nights at W Manville Rd BLM. Free dry camping on BLM land just west of Saguaro National Park (and Tucson) in Pima County. Near ultralight Aviation Center. Make sure you make it all the way west THROUGH the gate to the Ironwood Forest National Monument and onto the BLM land.

5. Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Campsites – Brady Pump Road BLM land

Address Eloy, Arizona GPS: 32.763259, -111.423012 Elevation: 1640′

Management Public – Bureau of Land Management (Official)

Beautiful peaceful weather no amenities No trash can Must be self contained No water great cell service dogs can run around already fire ring is here no trash nor glass on the ground very clean

6. Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Spots – Park Link BLM

Address Marana, Arizona GPS: 32.612345, -111.209754 Elevation: 2310′

Management Public – Bureau of Land Management (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. Park Link BLM is open Year ’round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. We found this camping spot after the local BLM office for the Ironwood Forest National Monument  recommended this area for our sized camper. It is very secluded, but easy to access and has a decent Verizon signal, which we used for calls and with a Jetpack.

7. Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Locations – Less Than 6 Miles: – West Tangerine RD and I-10 Marana, AZ

Address Marana, Arizona GPS: 32.42496, -111.15914 Elevation: 2041′

Management Public – Dirt Lot (Unofficial)

The road in is Gravel. The maximum RV length at West Tangerine RD and I-10 Marana, AZ is unlimited. Just off I-10. Get off Tangerine RD exit and head towards Ora Valley. On the right you see a stretch of dirt off the road to park. I stayed multiple nights no problems. Can be a bit loud sometimes with traffic.

8. Ironwood Forest National Monument Boondocking Free Campsites – Snyder Hill BLM

Address Tucson, Arizona GPS: 32.156941, -111.116493 Elevation: 2471′

Management Public – Bureau of Land Management (Unofficial)

The road in is Paved. Snyder Hill BLM is open All Year. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is Any. You may stay 14 days at Snyder Hill BLM.

History of the Ironwood Forest National Monument

Do you remember former President Bill Clinton? He created the Ironwood Forest National Monument approximately 22 years ago in 2000. The name, Ironwood, is named after one of the world’s oldest and longest-living trees in the desert. You will find this monument located in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Arizona. If you are familiar with the Saguaro National Park, this monument is west of that park and pretty close in distance.

This Ironwood Forest National Monument sits on 129,000 acres of land. Before this monument became what it is today, it has a history dating back to the year 1700. It was reported that before this became the Ironwood Forest National Monument, there were villages and campsites. The people that lived there were hunters and gatherers. A hundred years later in the year 1800, there have been reports of cemeteries and camps but none that we saw near our boondocking site.

There are also artifacts distributed throughout the land across 3,000 sites The history behind the land is what makes up the Ironwood Forest National Monument today.

Things to Do and Places to See

Out of all the historical monuments, the Ironwood Forest National Monument is a place with some great activities for families with kids. You will have to spend the night on the monument in one of the campgrounds to do everything in one visit or in one of our many boondocking spots nearby. You can camp, hike, and even go horseback riding. You can also partake in mountain biking, bird watching, and plant and flower viewing in the Ironwood Forest National Monument . There are several other activities to take advantage of such as sightseeing.

All of these activities may seem overwhelming to you and you may be thinking about how you’re going to do everything. Take one thing at a time. If you’re bringing along children on this vacation, do the things you know they will enjoy.

Horseback Riding

Older children will love going horseback riding with you. There are a few stables very close to Ironwood Forest National Monument. From the nearest stable, you can take the horse through the monument and ride off into some spectacular views. This would be a picture-worthy moment and you will have memories that will last a lifetime. When you’re done, you bring the horse to the stable and make your way back to the monument for the next activity.

Hunt for Fossils

Younger children will love looking for fossils and archaeological sites. They think of it as a scavenger hunt. As previously mentioned, there are around 3,000 sites. Children will be occupied for hours. You can not to take anything from the sites so, if you dig up anything, take your photos, and cover it back up.

Wildlife Viewing and Photography

Another activity that’s fun for all ages is enjoying nature and wildlife. You and your family will be able to see animals up close. There are several animals to see such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It’s best to look at the animals from a distance and never let a child wander away to explore on their own. If you are with a large group, implement the buddy system so you don’t have to be alone.

The Top 4 Trails to Hike at Ironwood Forest National Monument

Hiking will give you great exercise and you can see things you haven’t seen yet while on the trail. There are four trails to hike at Ironwood Forest National Monument. Leave the children at the hotel with another adult for these trails. These aren’t easy and a couple of them are best suited for avid hikers. Be sure to clear your afternoon or morning schedule before starting on a hike.

1. Ragged Top North Gully Trail

The first trail at the Ironwood Forest National Monument  to mention is the Ragged Top North Gully Trail. This trail is a four-mile hike, and it may take you over two hours to complete it. Depending on how much of an experienced hiker you are, it could take you approximately to make your way up the trail. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes, long sleeves, pants, and gloves. No flip flops, sandals, shorts, or tank tops. As you begin the hike, you may think it’s pretty easy.

After the first mile, it gets harder. Be sure to have enough adults in your group for this trip. You will need one adult at the hotel watching the children and one or more adults with you on this trail. The trail can be easy to follow but be sure to pay attention. Don’t be afraid to get dirty. You will be struggling walking over loose rocks in the dirt and rocks. As you walk, you will be moving bushes and cactus out of the way.

That is why you will have to wear gloves, pants, and long sleeves. You don’t want to end up being scratched up trying to get up the trail. It’s best to take breaks during this hike. Stay hydrated with water and keep your energy up with food. Food and water are essential to bringing with you on this hike. Once you reach the top, the hike will be worth it. You will see some amazing views. The hike down will be easier but be careful not to slip and fall, which is why it’s good to have other adults with you.

Length: 4.0 mi Elevation gain: 1,515 ft Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash Hiking Views Wildflowers Wildlife Over grown Rocky Scramble Off trail

2. Waterman Peak Trail

The second trail is Waterman Peak Trail, and it’s not as hard as the first trail. Even though this hike is a little over a mile long, it can still take you almost an hour to complete. That’s if you don’t stop for food, water, or to look at anything along the way. It’s good to bring poles with you on this hike because it will help you make it through the rocks and dirt. When you’re hiking on this trail, be careful of the steep places.

Length: 1.1 mi Elevation gain: 567 ft Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash Hiking Views Wildflowers No shade

3. Ragged Top Roof Trail

The next trail is the Ragged Top Roof Trail. It’s almost 5 miles long, and it could take you anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to complete. Maybe more depending on how long your breaks are. This trail has beautiful scenery that will catch your eye as you move closer and closer up the trail. The walk starts off easy and you’ll see an occasional campsite, but then it gets harder. The trail will start to disappear a little ways towards the top. It can be confusing for a newcomer that’s never been on this trail before. It’s best to have someone to go with, so the two of you can look out for mile markers or anything that will tell you how to get to the top.

Length: 4.6 mi Elevation gain: 1,400 ft Route type: Loop

Hiking Views Rocky Scramble Off trail

4. Waterman Mountains Trail to Silver Hill Mine

The last trail to tell you about is the Waterman Mountains Trail to Silver Hill Mine is one of our favorites in the Ironwood Forest National Monument . This trail is not as hard as the other trails, but it does have its moments. It’s a two-mile-long hike, and it can take you just over an hour to complete it if you don’t stop for breaks. You will be starting on a road that cars used to travel on but not anymore. If you’re not on a road, then you’re off the trail and will have to find your way back on. You will find some loose rock and some steep hills along the way. It’s best if you pay attention and don’t get distracted, so you don’t slip and fall down the trail.

That’s all the trails in the Ironwood Forest National Monument to share with you. What do you think? Doesn’t it sound amazing? The monument makes for a great family vacation. Before you make your way to the middle of nowhere, keep these tips in mind. There isn’t any cell phone service. It is dry over there, especially during the summer month, so take plenty of water. Bring sunscreen and take snacks when you visit the monument. Most importantly have a fun time.

Length: 2.0 mi Elevation gain: 698 ft Route type: Out & back

Dogs on leash Kid friendly Hiking Views Wildflowers No shade

That’s all the trails to share with you. What do you think? Doesn’t it sound amazing? The Ironwood Forest National Monument makes for a great family vacation. Before you make your way to the middle of nowhere, keep these tips in mind. There isn’t any cell phone service. It is dry over there, especially during the summer month, so take plenty of water. Bring sunscreen and take snacks when you visit the monument. Most importantly have a fun time.

For complete photos and videos of our trip visit our photos on our page Facebook Page

You May Want to Join Our Facebook Group Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information