Economic Impact of the Monument

Recently, the Town of Marana released a report showing the economic impact of Ironwood Forest National Monument on the local economy. Friends of Ironwood Forest’s partnership with the Town goes back years. They have been and continue to be fantastic supporters of the Monument.

Visitation Summary
⏺ Ironwood Forest National Monument receives 105,000 annual visits, on
average. Of these visitors, approximately 73.8% live within a 50-mile radius of
the Monument, whereas 26.2% live more than 50 miles from the Monument. Of
the out-of-town visitors, 45 states and 3 foreign countries were represented in
2024.
⏺ Of the past 4 years, 2023 saw the largest visitation figure, of approximately
105,200.

Visitor Demographics
⏺ Ironwood Forest National Monument attracts a diverse mix of budget-conscious
families and higher-spending leisure travelers. Free admission and free camping
makes it an ideal place for an inexpensive family camping trip; likewise, the
Monument’s secluded location and “untouched” feel make it ideal for more-
adventurous and wealthier leisure travelers who desire unique experiences.
⏺ Visitor composition for the Monument is similar to that of Saguaro National Park
West, providing an alternative or complementary destination for visitors of that
attraction to visit; if crowding issues ever arise at Saguaro National Park West, or
for visitors to consider a multi-day trip to experience multiple natural sites.

Economic Impacts
⏺ Ironwood Forest National Monument is estimated to generate an annual
economic impact of approximately $4.43 million, from approximately $2.17
million of direct spending. This is based on 2023 figures and is based on the
assumption that every $1 spent by visitors contributes approximately $2.04 to the
regional economy.
⏺ Most visitors to the Monument, whether local to Pima County or out-of-town,
have to pass through Marana to get to it. They stop at local and chain
restaurants, retailers, gas stations, and some stay at local hotels.
⏺ Of note, approximately 721 visitors to the Monument in 2023 visited Marana
Regional Airport immediately after visiting the Monument. This could indicate that
extremely high-value private aircraft travelers are flying into Marana to visit the
Monument. (Source: Placer.ai)

Protecting Arizona’s History and Environment ⏺ Ironwood Forest National Monument’s isolated location makes it ideal for “dark
sky” activities, such as stargazing and astro-photography, both of which are fast-
growing and high-value segments of the population. The Monument is pursuing a
Dark Sky Place designation from Dark Skies International.
⏺ The Monument preserves a landscape similar to that of the Arizona frontier, as it
was before settlement. Generations of ranchers, farmers, explorers, and Native
peoples have since shaped our distinct regional identity, but the Monument’s
landscape preserves the physical environment that identity came from.
⏺ The Monument protects over 343 known archaeological and historical sites,
with there being estimates of over 3,000 sites. These span Hohokam, early
ranching, and pioneer history. Three of these sites are on the National
Register of Historic Places. A Titan Missile Silo interpretive site and a historic
cemetery reflect the Monument’s role in more recent history as well.
⏺ Ironwood Forest National Monument is home to the easternmost indigenous herd
of bighorn sheep in the United States.

Opportunities and Other Considerations
⏺ Ironwood Forest National Monument is one of only two camping areas on the
West side of Tucson. It provides a free and less-crowded alternative to the busy
Gilbert Ray Campground, while still being within a 30-45 minute drive of most of
Southern Arizona’s top attractions.
⏺ The Monument is attractive to Recreational Vehicle users, who, like astro-
photographers, are a relatively wealthy and higher-spending demographic.
⏺ Additional amenities, such as trails, a visitor center, and restrooms, could further
increase visitation and contribute to local economic impact.
⏺ Discover Marana’s marketing and promotion efforts have led to increased
awareness of the Monument and increased visitation to it.

You can download (and share!) a copy of the one-page infographic by clicking on the image below.