Sonoran Desert

Sonoran Desert NM https://www.blm.gov/national-conservation-lands/arizona/sonoran-desert https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoran_Desert_National_Monument Sonoran Desert National Monument is south of Goodyear and Buckeye and east of Gila Bend, Arizona. Created by Presidential proclamation on January 17, 2001,[2] the 496,400 acres (200,886 ha) monument is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System.

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Arizona Sonoran Desert National Monument Lower Sonoran Field Office Desert Heartland The Sonoran Desert National Monument represents the heartland of the Sonoran Desert – a landscape where Arizona’s signature saguaro cactus stands tall. Spanning over 486,000 acres of impressive Sonoran Desert landscape, the Monument presents a spectacular array of plant and animal species and scientific, cultural and historical resources. The Congressionally designated North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness, South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness and Table Top Wilderness areas are all within the Monument’s boundaries. The Monument is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) National Landscape Conservation System, created to recognize and protect spectacular landscapes of public lands in the west. This system includes the BLM’s national monuments, national conservation areas, wild and scenic rivers, wilderness areas, and national historic and scenic trails. BLM Photo Monumental Resources Sonoran Desert Landscape: The most striking aspect of the plant communities within the Monument are the abundant saguaro cactus - the signature plant of the Sonoran Desert. A forest of saguaros, together with the wide variety of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that make up the forest community are a national treasure. Wildlife: A wide variety of wildlife are supported by the diverse habitat of the Sonoran Desert. Mammals such as desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, javelina, mountain lion, and others are present. Many small mammals, birds, and reptiles thrive here year-round, including bats, owls, rattlesnakes, and the Sonoran Desert tortoise. Observe wildlife from a distance for your safety and their protection. Archaeological and Historical Sites, Historic Trail Corridor: The Monument has a long history of use, including early Native Americans, Spanish explorers, homesteaders, miners, and others. An important trail corridor crosses through the central part of the Monument. Juan Bautista de Anza, the Mormon Battalion, and the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach among others traveled this trail, providing a rich and important legacy of the history of Arizona. Congress designated the trail in 1990 as the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Wilderness: The North Maricopa Mountains, South Maricopa Mountains and Table Top Wilderness areas receive special protection under the Arizona Desert Wilderness Act of 1990. Long ridges, isolated peaks and canyons, extensive saguaro-studded bajadas and wide desert washes offer visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy wildness, solitude and primitive recreation. RECREATION Hiking and Equestrian: Visitors may hike or ride horseback almost anywhere in the Monument. Four designated wilderness trails totaling 26 miles offer a unique opportunity to explore the backcountry. See map for access to these trails: Margies Cove and Brittlebush trails (North Maricopa Mountains Wilderness), Lava Flow and Table Top trails (Table Top Wilderness). Due to steep trail conditions on Table Top Trail equestrian use is not recommended. Mountain Biking: Many miles of roads are available for mountain biking. Mountain bikes must stay on roads posted with a BLM Route Number sign. Mountain bikes are prohibited in wilderness areas or on wilderness trails. Travel by Vehicle: (SUV’s, Trucks, ATV’s, Dirt Bikes, etc.) BLM roads open to motorized travel are posted with a BLM Route Number sign. Travel on roads or washes not posted with this sign and travel off-road or cross-country is prohibited. Motorized travel is also prohibited in wilderness areas or on wilderness area trails. Camping and Picnicking: Dispersed camping and picnicking is allowed throughout the Monument, unless otherwise posted. Two small campgrounds at West Margies Cove and Table Top Trailheads offer a restroom and three small campsites with a picnic table and BBQ grill. No water or hookups are available. Reservations are not required; sites are on a first-come first-serve basis. Pack out all trash. Camping Basics: • Choose a campsite that has been previously used and no more than 100 feet from the road. • Camping is limited to 14 days within a 28-consecutiveday period. • Small campfires are allowed unless otherwise posted. Do not leave any fire unattended. Put all fires out cold before you leave. For current fire restriction information, see contact information on back panel, of this brochure. • Wood is scarce in the Monument. Please bring your own wood for fuel while camping or use only dead, down, and detached wood. • Trash pick-up services are not available. Please pack out all trash. Hunting: Hunting opportunities are allowed under Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations. Use firearms responsibly; shooting natural features, including cactus or other plants, is prohibited. It is also illegal to knowingly shoot upon, from, across, or into any road or trail. HowGetTo There The Mo