Table Top Trail

Show on map 602-867-5400 blm_az_pdoweb@blm.gov

Lower Sonoran Field Office, 21605 North 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85027

Table Top Trail, in the 34,400-acre Table Top Wilderness, takes visitors from the floor of Vekol Valley (elevation 2,299 feet) to the summit of Table Top Mountain (elevation 4,356 feet) in just 3.5 miles.

Along the way, visitors are treated to a variety of Sonoran Desert plants and wildlife, scenic vistas, and evidence of the area's volcanic history. The view from the top of the summit is a dramatic panorama of rugged mountain ranges and desert plains.

The trail begins by crossing several small washes and bajadas (desert outwash plains), and winds northeasterly toward Table Top Mountain through forests of saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, paloverde, and ironwood.

At the base of the mountain, the trail begins a series of switchbacks on its steep ascent to the summit. Near the summit, the trail is bordered by four-foot- tall walls of loosely piled stones, the origin and purpose for which are unknown. Vegetation on the summit includes an unusual, 40-acre island of desert grassland.

Equestrian use of Table Top Trail is not recommended due to the steep conditions.

Table Top Trailhead includes a small, three-site campground with picnic tables, fire-rings, a vault toilet, and day use parking for approximately 10 vehicles. No water or trash collection is provided.

Hours and Seasons

You can visit Table Top Trail year round, however, the trail is recommended for use from late October through mid-April. At other times of the year, the trail is seldom used.

Features and Services

Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available. Bring plenty of water.

Toilets: Accessible vault toilet onsite.

Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phone service may be unreliable. There is no public internet or Wi-Fi.

Pets: Pets are not allowed on Table Top Trail, but service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go.

Your Safety

This is a remote area and access roads are not maintained. Cell phones do not work in many areas of the monument.

Heat and Sun

The monument's elevation ranges from 1,000 to 4,400 feet (304-1,215 m), so summer is rough on visitors. It's best to enjoy the monument from late October to mid-April. If you are visiting in summer, take extra precautions to drink plenty of water, as temperatures may exceed 110°F (43°C). We recommend sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Weather forecast

Water

Bring all the water you will need. There is no drinking water available on the monument. Plan on drinking one gallon (4 liters) per person per day—more if you're engaged in strenuous activities.

Your vehicle

Make sure your gasoline tank is full, carry additional water and full-size spare tires in your vehicle, and make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Winter is the most popular time to visit.

Wildlife

The desert sun stirs up rattlesnakes and other reptiles as early as February.

Flash floods

Flash floods caused by sudden storms can be dangerous in washes, so it is best to have a survival plan to prevent emergency situations. Have good maps with you and know how to use them.

Border Concerns

The southern part of the monument is a corridor for drug and human smugglers. Be alert for illegal activities and law enforcement operations.

Respect and Protect

The area is home to many species of wildlife. Please remember to practice outdoor ethics and recreate responsibly. Help us protect this unique environment by leaving no trace during your visit.

Check for fire restrictions before your visit. Using exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.

Report resource crimes including vandalism, dumping and suspicious activity at 1-800-637-9152.

Directions

A high clearance vehicle is required to reach Table Top Trailhead. From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 west to exit 112 (Highway 85), then travel south on Hwy 85 to Gila Bend for approximately 32 miles, access I-8 east and continue for 25 miles to exit 144 (Vekol Road). Alternatively, take I-10 east from Phoenix to exit 164 (State Route 347). Turn right off the exit and head south on SR 347 for 28.4 miles to Hwy 84. Take Hwy 84 west for 5.6 miles to access I-8 west. Continue on I-8 west for 7.1 miles to exit 144 (Vekol Rd). Travel south on Vekol Rd for 2.1 miles to the Vekol Ranch turnoff. An information kiosk will be on the right. Keep right and continue south on Vekol Rd (BLM Route 8007, primitive dirt road) for 8.7 miles to BLM Route 8024. Turn left and travel 4.5 miles to the trailhead. Download a map.

Fees

There are no permits, passes, or fees required to visit this wilderness area. It is free. However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the local managing field office for more information about special recreation permits. Recreational activities on any nearby state trust land require a permit from the State of Arizona. Visits to the Sand Tank Mountains, located south of Interstate 8, require a free Barry M. Goldwater Range permit. Permits are only available online and not at the local BLM office.

Stay Limit

Most of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period.