The heat is here and we are sweating. Temperatures are climbing higher here in Arizona. For desert dwellers, that means it is time to pay close attention to your body signals, plan your outings during the early morning hours or late in the cooler temps of night, and make sure you increase your water consumption. Heat kills and there are no second chances.
A few days ago, we were eager to get out of the house, so we packed up and drove down to Ironwood Forest National Monument. Our hope was to take photographs for our gallery and do some general exploring. Even though we left at the crack of dawn to get there, the heat found us quicker than we hoped.
One of the least visited National Monuments in the US, Ironwood Forest National Monument is located about 11/2 hours north of Tucson. Approximately 129,000 acres, it is a very beautiful, yet dangerous, place. The views are fantastic and in most areas saguaros tower over the desert, dwarfing the mesquite, ironwood, creosote and palo verde trees.
Roads in the Monument are not well maintained and require a high clearance 4WD vehicle. When we entered the park, and quickly hit hard country, we couldn't help but notice the growing presence of abandoned car parts on the sides of the roads. Apparently, people bring their family sedans out here, ignoring the signs along the way until it is too late. This is not the place you want to get stuck. Cell service is spotty, there are zero services. No gas stations, no restaurants, no tow trucks. No water.
For us, we love to take the roads less traveled. It is part of our adventurous spirit. But we always go well-heeled and over prepared. Living an outdoor & explore kind of life, we don't take chances. We encourage you to enjoy the Arizona outdoors, but be safe, take plenty of water and go well prepared. Always tell someone where you are going, and when to expect your return.
Remember, Mother Nature is in charge, we're just along for the ride.