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Ironwood Forest National Monument – Image Gallery

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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.
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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.
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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.
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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.
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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.
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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.
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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.
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. 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 and desert bighorn sheep dwelling, which makes hiking, wildlife watching and photography favorite activities in this desert jewel. Photos by Bob Wick, BLM
mypubliclandsroadtrip continues this week with Something Different -- some of the most unique locations by the BLM, from film locations to geologic wonders to speedways. Our Something Different posts begin in a desert forest of giants. 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. 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 and desert bighorn sheep dwelling, which makes hiking, wildlife watching and photography favorite activities in this desert jewel.
Saguaro forest, Ironwood Forest National Monument


Ironwood Forest National Monument

Ironwood Forest National Monument in Arizona is a rugged desert landscape filled with ancient ironwood trees and saguaro cacti.

Details

Ironwood Forest National Monument

  • Location: Located in southern Arizona, approximately 25 miles northwest of Tucson
  • Size: Covers an area of approximately 129,000 acres
  • Established: Designated as a National Monument in 2000

The Ironwood Forest National Monument is known for its unique combination of desert landscapes and diverse plant and animal species. The monument is named after the iconic ironwood trees that grow in the area, which are known for their dense, dark wood and longevity.

The monument is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, desert tortoises, and a variety of bird species. The ironwood trees themselves are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for many desert animals.

In addition to its ecological significance, the Ironwood Forest National Monument is also rich in cultural history. The area has been inhabited by various indigenous tribes for thousands of years, and contains numerous archaeological sites, including petroglyphs and ancient ruins.

Visitors to the monument can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing, as well as learn about the area's natural and cultural history at the visitor center. The monument is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.



Ironwood Forest National Monument

Points of Interest

Ironwood Forest National Monument

The Ironwood Forest National Monument is located in southern Arizona and covers over 129,000 acres of land. The monument is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, as well as stunning geological formations. Here are some of the most popular points of interest within the monument:

  • Ragged Top Mountain: Ragged Top Mountain is a prominent peak within the monument that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hiking to the summit is a popular activity for visitors.
  • Saguaro Cactus Forest: The monument is home to a large population of saguaro cacti, some of which are hundreds of years old. The cactus forest is a unique and beautiful sight to behold.
  • Ironwood Trees: The monument is named after the ironwood tree, a species of tree that is native to the Sonoran Desert. These trees can be found throughout the monument and are an important part of the local ecosystem.
  • Petroglyphs: The monument is home to several sites with ancient petroglyphs, which are rock carvings made by indigenous people thousands of years ago. These petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the area's rich cultural history.
  • Wildlife Viewing: The monument is home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, javelinas, and a wide range of bird species. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity for visitors to the monument.

Overall, the Ironwood Forest National Monument is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the Sonoran Desert.



Ironwood Forest National Monument – Images

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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Description: 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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Image by BLMArizona – Public domain – Wikimedia

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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Description: 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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Image by BLMArizona – Public domain – Wikimedia

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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Description: 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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Image by BLMArizona – Public domain – Wikimedia

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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Description: 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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Image by BLMArizona – Public domain – Wikimedia

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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Description: 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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Image by BLMArizona – Public domain – Wikimedia

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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Description: 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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Image by BLMArizona – Public domain – Wikimedia

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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Description: 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. www.blm.gov/visit/ironwood Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Image by BLMArizona – Public domain – Wikimedia

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. 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 and desert bighorn sheep dwelling, which makes hiking, wildlife watching and photography favorite activities in this desert jewel. Photos by Bob Wick, BLM

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. 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 and desert bighorn sheep dwelling, which makes hiking, wildlife watching and photography favorite activities in this desert jewel. Photos by Bob Wick, BLM

Image by Bureau of Land Management – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

mypubliclandsroadtrip continues this week with Something Different -- some of the most unique locations by the BLM, from film locations to geologic wonders to speedways. Our Something Different posts begin in a desert forest of giants. 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. 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 and desert bighorn sheep dwelling, which makes hiking, wildlife watching and photography favorite activities in this desert jewel.

Description: mypubliclandsroadtrip continues this week with Something Different -- some of the most unique locations by the BLM, from film locations to geologic wonders to speedways. Our Something Different posts begin in a desert forest of giants. 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. 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 and desert bighorn sheep dwelling, which makes hiking, wildlife watching and photography favorite activities in this desert jewel.

Image by Bob Wick; Bureau of Land Management – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia

Saguaro forest, Ironwood Forest National Monument

Description: Saguaro forest, Ironwood Forest National Monument

Image by Photo by Bob Wick, BLM. – Public domain – Wikimedia

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