Ironwood Forest National Monument -- an Arizona Jewel

I'm actually hesitant to blog about this particular location, as it is so pristine and unspoiled. Thankfully, there is a group of dedicated people (Friends of the Ironwood Forest) who work alongside the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to care for this gem of a National Monument.

The Ironwood Forest National Monument, or IFNM to shorten the long name, is easily accessible from either Tucson or Phoenix and offers acres and acres of stunning Sonoran Desert landscapes. Most notably, the Ironwood tree, and of course, lots and lots of stately Saguaro Cactus.

I have visited the monument a few times in the past weeks with family and friends on separate occasions and it is a photographer's delight. Also, if you like exploring dirt roads on foot, mountain bike, or by vehicle, you won't be disappointed.

Here are a few notable photographs from my recent visits.

Entering the monument on Sasco Road greeted by a beautiful specimen of a 

Crested (Cristate) Saguaro Cactus

View of Ragged Top

Saguaros and Palo Verde Trees

Me and the crested cactus

Another view of the crested cactus

A brand new arm bud on a Saguaro, which means this particular cactus is around 75 years old

An Ironwood "nurse" tree with the crested cactus -- they are both well over a 100 years old

A fallen giant -- wondering if lightning was the culprit

Another beautiful view of Ragged Top

"Circle of Friends"

Fallen Cholla Cactus

Southwestern view along Sasco Road with Ragged Top in the distance

Drone Photo Credit: Derrick Lattibeaudiere

Separate from the monument are ruins of the old Southern Arizona Smelting Company (SASCO) that you will encounter driving in on Sasco Road.

Drone Photos Courtesy of Derrick Lattibeaudiere