Table Top Trail | Arizona
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 the top of 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.
Equestrian use of Table Top Trail is not recommended due to the steep conditions.
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.
Hours and Seasons
You can visit Table Top Trail year round, however, the trail is recommended for use from November through April. At other times of the year, the trail is seldom used.
Summer temperatures may often reach up 115 degrees. Wear a hat, long sleeve shirt, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Features and Services
Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available. Bring plenty of water.
Toilets: Accessible vault toilet onsite.
Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phone service may be unreliable. There is no public internet or Wi-Fi.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on Table Top Trail, but service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go.
Safety and Conditions
You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire. Keep in mind that there is no first aid available on-site.
Expect potential hazards such as venomous snakes, extreme heat, and flash floods. Vekol Valley is prone to heavy rains and flash floods. Do not attempt to cross flooded washes. Wait for waters to recede before crossing. Be prepared for changes in weather and stay informed on weather warning alerts. Make sure you have the appropriate gear, food and water.
Drug and human smuggling activities have occurred within the Sonoran Desert National Monument south of Interstate 8. If you see any activity that looks illegal, suspicious, or out of place, please do not intervene. Contact BLM Federal Law Enforcement Communications Center, County Sheriff or Border Patrol. Call 911 to report emergencies.
Many abandoned mine shafts dot the landscape in Arizona and are very dangerous. Many shafts are deep vertical holes with no way out. Do not get close to or enter any mine shaft.
Respect and Protect
The area is home to many species of wildlife. Please remember to practice outdoor ethics and recreate responsibly. Help us protect this unique environment by leaving no trace during your visit.
Fires are not allowed in Table Top Wilderness. Check for fire restrictions before your visit. Using exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
The parking area consists of hard-packed ground with approximately 10 non-striped spaces. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, the entire parking area should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
This trail may pose challenges to visitors with mobility impairments.
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
A high clearance vehicle is required to reach Table Top Trailhead.
From Phoenix, take Interstate 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 Road).
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.
Fees
There are no permits, passes, or fees required to visit this wilderness area. It is free.
However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the local managing field office for more information about special recreation permits.
Recreational activities on any nearby state trust land require a permit from the State of Arizona.
Visits to the Sand Tank Mountains, located south of Interstate 8, require a free Barry M. Goldwater Range permit. Permits are only available online and not at the local BLM office.
Stay Limit
Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period.