## Overview

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 atop 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.  
  

## Facilities

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.  
  

## Know Before You Go

  * A high clearance vehicle is required to reach Table Top Trailhead.
  * Equestrian use is not recommended due to the steep conditions.
  * Fires are not allowed in Table Top Wilderness.
  * Pets are not allowed on Table Top Trail.
  * Vekol Valley is prone to heavy rains and flash floods. Do not attempt to cross flooded washes. Wait for waters to recede before crossing.

<h2>Overview</h2>Table Top Trail, in the 34,400-acre <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/13496/2" rel="nofollow">Table Top Wilderness</a>, 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 atop the summit is a dramatic panorama of rugged mountain ranges and desert plains.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/><h2>Facilities</h2>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.<br><br><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>A high clearance vehicle is required to reach Table Top Trailhead.</li><li>Equestrian use is not recommended due to the steep conditions.</li><li>Fires are not allowed in Table Top Wilderness.</li><li>Pets are not allowed on Table Top Trail.</li><li>Vekol Valley is prone to heavy rains and flash floods. Do not attempt to cross flooded washes. Wait for waters to recede before crossing.</li></ul>

Bird's eye view of the park

Table Top Trail

Lava Flow Trail, in the 34,400-acre Table Top Wilderness, offers a hiking
opportunity of light to moderate difficulty in a varied and dramatic Sonoran
Desert landscape. Three trailheads are linked by a relatively level 7 1/4-mile
trail. From south to north, the trail meanders through dense forests of
saguaro, paloverde, ironwood, and cholla; skirts the jumbled basaltic slopes
of Black Mountain; traverses an extensive creosote-bush flat; and crosses
several large washes. Lava Flow Trail provides sweeping views of Vekol Valley
and the Sand Tank Mountains to the west, while flat-topped Table Top Mountain
-- highest point in the Table Top Wilderness -- looms to the east.

Only hiking and equestrian use is allowed in wilderness under the Wilderness
Act of 1964. Motorized vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited in
wilderness.

## Know Before You Go

  * Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.
  * Road conditions to the wilderness vary with high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicle requirements. Roads are primitive and not maintained. Have a full tank of gas, full-size spare tires, a vehicle tool kit, and first aid kit. The main access routes and washes are prone to heavy seasonal rains and flash floods. Do not cross flooding streams or washes!
  * Motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles must remain on existing routes.
  * Drinking water is not available, so you should bring plenty of your own water.
  * Cellular phones do not work in many areas of the national monument.
  * Drug and human smuggling activities have occurred within the monument south of Interstate 8. If you see any activity that looks illegal, suspicious, or out of place, please do not intervene. Contact BLM Federal Law Enforcement Communications Center, County Sheriff or Border Patrol. Call 911 to report emergencies.
  * Summer temperatures may often reach up 115 degrees. Wear a hat, long sleeve shirt, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Drink plenty of water!
  * You might encounter rattlesnakes and scorpions. Don't put your hands or feet in brush or under rocks and boulders.
  * Many abandoned mine shafts dot the landscape in Arizona and are very dangerous. Many shafts are deep vertical holes with no way out. Do not get close to or enter any mine shaft.
  * Fires are not allowed in Table Top Wilderness.

<p>Lava Flow Trail, in the 34,400-acre <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/13496/2" rel="nofollow">Table Top Wilderness</a>, offers a hiking opportunity of light to moderate difficulty in a varied and dramatic Sonoran Desert landscape. Three trailheads are linked by a relatively level 7 1/4-mile trail. From south to north, the trail meanders through dense forests of saguaro, paloverde, ironwood, and cholla; skirts the jumbled basaltic slopes of Black Mountain; traverses an extensive creosote-bush flat; and crosses several large washes. Lava Flow Trail provides sweeping views of Vekol Valley and the Sand Tank Mountains to the west, while flat-topped Table Top Mountain -- highest point in the Table Top Wilderness -- looms to the east.</p>

<p>Only hiking and equestrian use is allowed in wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964. Motorized vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited in wilderness.</p>

<h2>Know Before You Go</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.</li>
	<li>Road conditions to the wilderness vary with high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicle requirements. Roads are primitive and not maintained. Have a full tank of gas, full-size spare tires, a vehicle tool kit, and first aid kit. The main access routes and washes are prone to heavy seasonal rains and flash floods. Do not cross flooding streams or washes!</li>
	<li>Motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles must remain on existing routes.</li>
	<li>Drinking water is not available, so you should bring plenty of your own water.</li>
	<li>Cellular phones do not work in many areas of the national monument.</li>
	<li>Drug and human smuggling activities have occurred within the monument south of Interstate 8. If you see any activity that looks illegal, suspicious, or out of place, please do not intervene. Contact BLM Federal Law Enforcement Communications Center, County Sheriff or Border Patrol. Call 911 to report emergencies.</li>
	<li>Summer temperatures may often reach up 115 degrees. Wear a hat, long sleeve shirt, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Drink plenty of water!</li>
	<li>You might encounter rattlesnakes and scorpions. Don't put your hands or feet in brush or under rocks and boulders.</li>
	<li>Many abandoned mine shafts dot the landscape in Arizona and are very dangerous. Many shafts are deep vertical holes with no way out. Do not get close to or enter any mine shaft.</li>
	<li>Fires are not allowed in Table Top Wilderness.</li>
</ul>

Lava Flow Trail

## Overview

The 34,400-acre Table Top Wilderness lies in western Pinal County. Table Top
Mountain is the highest peak in the area and its flat-topped summit of 4,373
ft is a familiar landmark, easily recognized from Phoenix and Casa Grande.
Steeply rising flat-top mesas, ridges, lava flows, wide canyons and mesquite-
and ironwood-lined washes surround Table Top Peak.  
  
Hikers, backpackers, horseback riders and others venturing into the wilderness
are rewarded with solitude. The four-mile-long Table Top Trail leads to the
summit of Table Top, with the trailhead at the southwest corner of the
wilderness (equestrian use not recommended on this trail due to steep
conditions). The view from atop the peak provides a panorama of mountains
ranges and desert plains. The abundant desert vegetation includes an unusual
40-acre island of desert grassland on the summit of Table Top and dense
saguaro forests on the southwest side. The  Lava Flow Trail meanders through
the lowlands of the wilderness area. Desert bighorn sheep, coyote, quail,
javelina, giant spotted whiptail lizard and the Ajo Mountain whipsnake, and
numerous birds, reptiles and raptors abound.  
  

## Know Before You Go

  * Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.
  * Road conditions to the wilderness vary with high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicle requirements.
  * Vekol Valley is prone to heavy rains and flash floods. Do not attempt to cross flooded washes. Wait for waters to recede before crossing.
  * Fires are not allowed in Table Top Wilderness.

<h2>Overview</h2>The 34,400-acre Table Top Wilderness lies in western Pinal County. Table Top Mountain is the highest peak in the area and its flat-topped summit of 4,373 ft is a familiar landmark, easily recognized from Phoenix and Casa Grande. Steeply rising flat-top mesas, ridges, lava flows, wide canyons and mesquite-and ironwood-lined washes surround Table Top Peak.<br/><br/>Hikers, backpackers, horseback riders and others venturing into the wilderness are rewarded with solitude. The four-mile-long <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/16622/2" rel="nofollow">Table Top Trail</a> leads to the summit of Table Top, with the trailhead at the southwest corner of the wilderness (equestrian use not recommended on this trail due to steep conditions). The view from atop the peak provides a panorama of mountains ranges and desert plains. The abundant desert vegetation includes an unusual 40-acre island of desert grassland on the summit of Table Top and dense saguaro forests on the southwest side. The <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/16621/2" rel="nofollow"> Lava Flow Trail</a> meanders through the lowlands of the wilderness area. Desert bighorn sheep, coyote, quail, javelina, giant spotted whiptail lizard and the Ajo Mountain whipsnake, and numerous birds, reptiles and raptors abound. <br/><br/><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul>
<li>Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.</li>
<li>Road conditions to the wilderness vary with high-clearance and four-wheel-drive vehicle requirements.</li><li>Vekol Valley is prone to heavy rains and flash floods. Do not attempt to cross flooded washes. Wait for waters to recede before crossing.</li><li>Fires are not allowed in Table Top Wilderness.</li>
</ul>

Table Top Wilderness

## Overview

The Sonoran Desert National Monument contains magnificent examples of
untrammeled Sonoran Desert landscape. The monument sits in the most
biologically diverse of the North American deserts and captures a significant
portion of that diversity. The most striking aspect of the plant community in
the monument is the extensive saguaro cactus forest. The monument contains
three distinct mountain ranges, the Maricopa, Sand Tank and Table Top
mountains, as well as the Booth and White hills, all separated by wide
valleys. The monument also contains three congressionally designated
wilderness areas, archaeological and historic sites, and remnants of several
important historic trails.

## Getting Around

Interstate 8 and State Route 238 cross the monument. Most other roads are
primitive and not maintained. High clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are
recommended in some areas.

The area north of SR-238 and south of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness
is **closed to vehicle entry** without written permission. You may request a
letter of agreement to access these areas by contacting the Lower Sonoran
Field Office. Roads 8002b, 8002c and 8002 from SR-238 to road 8003 are closed
to all entry due to construction.

## Things to Do

Visit the National Conservation Lands page for more information.

  * hiking and horseback riding

  * camping

  * driving and biking

  * wildlife viewing

  * history and archaeology

## Regulations, Permits, and Fees

Visits to the **Sand Tank Mountains** , located south of Interstate 8, require
a Barry M. Goldwater Range permit. Permits are only available online and not
at the local BLM office.

**Competitive events and organized activities** with 25 or more participants
require a permit. Contact the monument office for more information.

Motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles must remain on existing
routes.

Collecting, removing, or damaging natural and cultural resources, including
artifacts, plants (live or dead), and rocks, is prohibited.

## 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**

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 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 gas tank is full, carry additional water and full-size spare
tires in your vehicle, and make sure your vehicle is in good working
condition.

**Flash floods**

Flash floods caused by sudden storms can be dangerous in washes.

**Border Concerns**

Drug and human smuggling activities have occurred within the monument south of
Interstate 8. Be alert for illegal activities and law enforcement operations.
If you see any activity that looks illegal, suspicious, or out of place, do
not intervene. Call 911 to report emergencies.

<h2>Overview</h2>

<p>The Sonoran Desert National Monument contains magnificent examples of untrammeled Sonoran Desert landscape. The monument sits in the most biologically diverse of the North American deserts and captures a significant portion of that diversity. The most striking aspect of the plant community in the monument is the extensive saguaro cactus forest. The monument contains three distinct mountain ranges, the Maricopa, Sand Tank and Table Top mountains, as well as the Booth and White hills, all separated by wide valleys. The monument also contains three congressionally designated wilderness areas, archaeological and historic sites, and remnants of several important historic trails.</p>

<h2>Getting Around</h2>

<p>Interstate 8 and State Route 238 cross the monument. Most other roads are primitive and not maintained. High clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in some areas.</p>

<p>The area north of SR-238 and south of the North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness is <strong>closed to vehicle entry</strong> without written permission. You may request a letter of agreement to access these areas by contacting the <a href="/node/3943" rel="nofollow">Lower Sonoran Field Office</a>. Roads 8002b, 8002c and 8002 from SR-238 to road 8003 are closed to all entry due to construction. </p>

<h2>Things to Do</h2>

<p><a href="/node/10027" rel="nofollow">Visit the National Conservation Lands page for more information. </a></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>hiking and horseback riding</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>camping</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>driving and biking</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>wildlife viewing</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>history and archaeology</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Regulations, Permits, and Fees</h2>

<p>Visits to the <strong>Sand Tank Mountains</strong>, located south of Interstate 8, require a <a href="https://bmgr.recaccess.com/" rel="nofollow">Barry M. Goldwater Range permit</a>. Permits are only available online and not at the local BLM office.</p>

<p><strong>Competitive events and organized activities</strong> with 25 or more participants require a permit. <a href="/node/3943" rel="nofollow">Contact the monument office</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles must remain on existing routes. </p>

<p>Collecting, removing, or damaging natural and cultural resources, including artifacts, plants (live or dead), and rocks, is prohibited. </p>

<h2>Your Safety</h2>

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

<p><strong>Heat and Sun</strong></p>

<p>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 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=AZZ559" rel="nofollow">Weather forecast</a></p>

<p><strong>Water</strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Your vehicle</strong></p>

<p>Make sure your gas tank is full, carry additional water and full-size spare tires in your vehicle, and make sure your vehicle is in good working condition.</p>

<p><strong>Flash floods</strong></p>

<p>Flash floods caused by sudden storms can be dangerous in washes.</p>

<p><strong>Border Concerns</strong></p>

<p>Drug and human smuggling activities have occurred within the monument south of Interstate 8. Be alert for illegal activities and law enforcement operations. If you see any activity that looks illegal, suspicious, or out of place, do not intervene. Call 911 to report emergencies.</p>

Table Top Trail

Overview

Facilities

Know Before You Go

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Lava Flow Trail

Table Top Wilderness

Sonoran Desert National Monument