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Table Top Trail, in the
34,400-acre Table
Top Wilderness, takes visitors from the floor of Vekol
Valley (elevation 2,299 feet) to the summit of Table Top
Mountain (elevation 4,356 feet) in just 3.5 miles. Along
the way, visitors are treated to a variety of Sonoran
Desert plants and wildlife, scenic vistas, and evidence of
the area's volcanic history. The view from atop the summit
is a dramatic panorama of rugged mountain ranges and
desert plains.
The tail begins by crossing
several small washes and bajadas (desert outwash plains),
and winds northeasterly toward Table Top Mountain through
forests of saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, paloverde, and
ironwood. At the base of the mountain, the trail begins a
series of switchbacks on its steep ascent to the summit.
Near the summit the trail is bordered by four-foot-tall
walls of loosely piled stones, the origin and purpose form
which are unknown. Vegetation on the summit includes an
unusual 40-acre island of desert grassland.
Exit Interstate 8 at the
Vekol Valley Interchange (Exit 144) approximately 26 miles
east of Gila Bend and 34 miles west of Casa Grande. Travel
south on Vekol Valley Road 2.1 miles to the Vekol
Ranch turnoff and continue south on the dirt- surfaced
road to the right, using the schematic map below. It is
15.3 miles from I-8 to Table Top Trailhead.
Table Top Trailhead
includes a small, three-site campground with picnic
tables, fire-rings, a vault toilet, and day-use parking
for approximately 10 vehicles. No water or trash
collection is provided.
Table Top Trail is depicted
on the USGS 7.5-minute topographic map entitled
"Little Table Top, Ariz." The remainder of the
Table Top Wilderness is depicted on USGS 7.5-minute
topographic maps "Antelope Peak, Ariz.,"
"Indian Butte, Ariz.," and "Vekol Mts., NE,
Ariz."
Table Top Trail receives
the greatest use October through April. At other times,
the trail receives little use. Always tell a friend or
relative where you are going and when you plan to return.
Drinking water is not provided at Table Top Trail,
so bring plenty. Vekol Valley is prone to heavy
rains and flash floods. Do not attempt to cross flooded
washes. You may encounter rattlesnakes or other
poisonous creatures; watch for them and be careful where
you put your hands and feet. Do not harass reptiles most
bites result from people playing with, collecting or
attempting to kill them. Fires are not allowed in
the Table Top Wilderness. Pets are not allowed on
Table Top Trail. For more information, contact the
Bureau of Land Management, Phoenix Field Office, 2015 West
Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85027, (623) 580.5500.
Information courtesy BLM
Phoenix Field Office.
Click
here for BLM map of Sonoran Desert National Monument. |
