Directions
A high clearance vehicle is required to reach Table Top Trailhead.
From Phoenix, take I-10 west to exit 112 (Highway 85), then travel south on Hwy 85 to Gila Bend for approximately 32 miles, access I-8 east and continue for 25 miles to exit 144 (Vekol Rd).
Alternatively, take I-10 east from Phoenix to exit 164 (State Route 347). Turn right off the exit and head south on SR 347 for 28.4 miles to Hwy 84. Take Hwy 84 west for 5.6 miles to access I-8 west. Continue on I-8 west for 7.1 miles to exit 144 (Vekol Rd).
Travel south on Vekol Rd for 2.1 miles to the Vekol Ranch turnoff. An information kiosk will be on the right. Keep right and continue south on Vekol Rd (BLM Route 8007, primitive dirt road) for 8.7 miles to BLM Route 8024. Turn left and travel 4.5 miles to the trailhead.
Phone
(623) 580-5500
Activities
HIKING, WILDLIFE VIEWING, WILDERNESS
Camping Reservations
Reserve your campsite at these camping areas:
Hiking Trails
Looking for nice hiking areas to take a hike? Choose from these scenic hiking trails:
Related Link(s)
Sonoran Desert National Monument Access Map
Overview
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 trail 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 for which are unknown. Vegetation on the summit includes an unusual, 40-acre island of desert grassland.
Facilities
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.
Know Before You Go
- A high clearance vehicle is required to reach Table Top Trailhead.
- Equestrian use is not recommended due to the steep conditions.
- Fires are not allowed in Table Top Wilderness.
- Pets are not allowed on Table Top Trail.
- Vekol Valley is prone to heavy rains and flash floods. Do not attempt to cross flooded washes. Wait for waters to recede before crossing.
