Ironwood Forest
Ironwood Forest is a desert preserve in Arizona known for *mature Olneya tesota (ironwood) trees, saguaro cactus*, and rugged boulder-strewn trails.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Arizona |
| Subregion | Southwestern United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Pima County |
| District | Ironwood Forest National Monument |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 32.184 |
| Longitude | -112.727 |
| Maps |
12:55 PM LOCAL TIMEIronwood Forest is a lesser-known wilderness area and national monument in Pima County, Arizona, offering serrated canyon walls, *age-old Olneya tesota (ironwood) trees, and extensive mesquite flats. Established in 2000 and managed for trails, habitat conservation, and Native American heritage, it lies just northwest of __Tucson__, providing a remote contrast to urban Sonoran Desert life. Visitors come to hike sand and rocky paths, spot birds like Aesacus rubescens and Geococcyx californianus*, and experience native plant communities. Expect baking daytime heat in summer, cooler winter days, and trails that require navigation skills and water planning**; camping is limited and permits may be required for overnight stays.
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