About

An incredible landscape recognized for its rugged scenery, biological diversity and cultural legacy located 25 miles northwest of Tucson. These 129,000 acres contain several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Sawtooth, and Waterman ranges, and the iconic Ragged Top Mountain.

The Monument contains a significant system of cultural and historic sites covering a 5,000-year period. The Monument home to threatened and endangered species; including Nichols Turk’s head cactus, lesser long-nosed bat, and desert tortoise.

One of Arizona’s best kept secrets, the Ironwood Forest National Monument serves as a biological anchor point for conserving some of our rarest flora and fauna, extraordinary landscapes, recreational opportunities, and irreplaceable archaeological treasures.

Ironwood Forest National Monument – a national treasure in our own backyard. Photo BLM.
Ironwood Forest National Monument – a national treasure in our own backyard. Photo BLM.
Silver Bell Cemetery

Keep It Wild

We want to share with you this very special photo / video journal presentation by a dedicated University of Arizona graduate student, Lauren Trench. Click here.

Learn more about the Ironwood Forest National Monument

Arizona Illustrated Nature Video: Ironwood Forest

About the Friends of Ironwood Forest

Friends of Ironwood Forest is a local non-profit organization that works for the permanent protection of the biological, geological, archeological, and historical resources and values for which the Ironwood Forest National Monument was established.

The Friends provide critical volunteer labor for projects on the Monument, and with the Bureau of Land Management and many other partners, work to increase community awareness through education, public outreach, and advocacy.

You will not find paved roads, visitor centers, or manicured trails, but you may discover a sense of wonder, exploration, and adventure in a landscape of humbling beauty.
You will not find paved roads, visitor centers, or manicured trails, but you may discover a sense of wonder, exploration, and adventure in a landscape of humbling beauty.

Learn more about the Friends of  Ironwood Forest