Top Desert Parks: Sonoran Desert National Monument, Arizona

Sonoran Desert National Monument was established in 2001, protecting a large area of public lands southwest of Phoenix, either side of Interstate 8. The preserve contains all or part of three major mountain ranges (Maricopa, Table Top and Sand Tank), separated by wide valleys, and is almost completely undeveloped - there are no visitor facilities apart from a couple of trails, and the backcountry is crossed only by a few, unpaved roads. The monument was created primarily to safeguard the historic sites, Indian relics, native habitats, vegetation and wildlife rather than attract visitors, yet it offers many possibilities for exploration and primitive camping.

Sonoran Desert National Monument: details, map