Explore Sonoran Desert National Monument, Arizona

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The Sonoran Desert National Monument contains magnificent examples of untrammeled Sonoran Desert landscape. This National Monument is the most biologically diverse of the North American deserts, and the monument captures a significant portion of that diversity. The most striking aspect of the plant community within 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 and many significant archaeological and historic sites, and remnants of several important historic trails. Sonoran Desert National Monument protects but a small portion of the Sonoran Desert, which is 120,000 square miles , and extends well into California and the country of Mexico. The North Maricopa Mountains, South Maricopa Mountains and the Table Top Wildernesses protect the richest regions of desert habitat from any future development. The Monument is home to several federally-listed endangered species. Visits to the Sand Tank Mountains, located south of Interstate 8, requires a Barry M Goldwater Range permit. The permit is free, but requires the recipient to watch a 13 minute safety video. Permits are valid for one year, from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Permits can be obtained in person at BLM's Arizona State Office and Lower Sonoran Field Office.

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