Table Top Wilderness is located in Pinal County, Arizona and takes up nearly 35,000 acres of land. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is one of the most interesting areas of Arizona. Many people enjoy visiting this area for all of the outdoor activities that it has to offer. Some of the more popular things that people enjoy are hiking, mountaineering, horseback riding, and photography.
You'd be surprised at the different types of animals that make up the wildlife in Table Top Wilderness. Wild animals such as desert bighorn sheep and coyotes are often seen. Creatures such as the Gila Monster might just make an appearance as well. If you're planning to visit Table Top Wilderness for more than just an afternoon, there are a handful of nearby campgrounds.
At these campgrounds, you can pitch a tent or park the RV for a restful evening under the Arizona night skies. The main attraction is Table Top Mountain, which is just over 4300 feet in elevation. There are a variety of different landscapes in this area. You see areas where lava once flowed, deep canyons, and vast mesas.
Thankfully, Table Top Wilderness isn't too much of a hassle to get to. Because it is located just south of Phoenix, Arizona, visitors can easily access it by taking paved roads that are well-maintained. That being said, the closer you get to Table Top Wilderness, the more intense the roadways become. They are designed for high-clearance vehicles and it is suggested to use four-wheel-drive if you have access to it. Something else to look into is what time of year your trip is. This is because Vekol Valley has had a history of flash floods and heavy rainfall.
If you encounter a flooded road near Table Top Wilderness, it is in your best interest to turn around and wait it out. It is also important to note that you may experience flash flooding on your way out of the wilderness. If this occurs, do not drive through flooded streets. Once you are able to reach Table Top Wilderness, you can easily get around on foot. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you can also ride a mountain bike in the wilderness. It is important to note that motor vehicles, including off-highway vehicles, are prohibited in Table Top Wilderness.
One of the closest campgrounds to Table Top Wilderness is Lost Dutchman State Park. This is incredibly convenient seeing as it offers 138 campsites. Out of all of these campsites, 68 are equipped with RV hookups including both electric and water. There are two different ways to make reservations for this campground. You are able to easily make a reservation online or you can call the Arizona State Parks Reservation desk for a reservation.
Like most campgrounds in the area, the Lost Dutchman State Park gives every campsite a fire pit, a picnic table, and a grill. It is important to note that there are often fire restrictions in the area; if there are any at the time of your stay it will be posted. Another good thing to know is that when you make a reservation for the Lost Dutchman State Park, there is a nonrefundable fee. This is to ensure that you get the campsite you want.
First on our list for campgrounds is Pioneer Pass Campground. Many people who visit Table Top Wilderness enjoy spending time at this campground. Each of the campsites is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is available to tent and RV campers. There are no hookups available for RV campers. Due to its size, Pioneer Pass Campground can have many visitors without feeling too crowded. There are 23 campsites in total for you to choose from when staying here.
Conveniently, each campsite has a fire pit, a picnic table, and a grill for campers to use as they please. One thing that may scare some campers off is the wildlife in the area. People often see tarantulas, snakes, and scorpions. On a brighter note, the area has beautiful views that visitors of Table Top Wilderness enjoy. This is a great place to stay if you're looking for something between primitive and modern camping.
If you have someone in your group who enjoys outdoor activities, they may enjoy a bit of rock climbing at Table Top Wilderness. If you bring your own material and gear, you'll be able to climb the surrounding cliffs and canyons. If you don't have a lot of experience with rock climbing, make sure you're with someone who does. It's also important to plan out your trip wisely so that you're not rock climbing in poor weather conditions.
Another great activity that is popular during peak season in Table Top Wilderness is mountain biking. To enjoy this activity, you must bring your own mountain bike as there are no rental stations in the area.
There is a variety of different types of terrain in the area, making it perfect for mountain bikers of all skill levels. This is also a reason why you want to wear a high-quality helmet, along with the necessary pads and safety gear.
A great way to fuel up for a day spent out in Table Top Wilderness, is by having a picnic. Unfortunately, Table Top Wilderness doesn't have picnic tables, but don't let that stop you. Lay down a blanket or eat next to your RV to enjoy a meal while surrounded by nature.
Table Top Wilderness is part of the No Trace Left Behind Act, so be sure to clean up any extra food or garbage from your meal. This keeps Table Top Wilderness looking great for animals and future visitors!
A little further away is the Upper Pinal Campground. Camping is available for both tents and RVs. Many people enjoy staying here because of how secluded and quiet it is. It is open all year round and only high clearance vehicles can get through the entrance. Something unique about the Upper Pinal Campground is that you can access it from the nearby river, on foot, or by vehicle. Campsites at the Upper Pinal Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
One of the main reasons that this campground is rarely loud is due to the fact that there are only three designated campsites. Each of these three campsites is equipped with a picnic table, a grill, and a fire pit. There is also a vault toilet available for campers to use. Even though it's not the closest, this is a beautiful campground to enjoy while visiting Table Top Wilderness, especially if you like dispersed camping.
If you're creative, you may enjoy taking up photography when you're in the wilderness. The environment offers a unique backdrop for landscape photos and pictures of your traveling buddies. You can also photograph the different types of animals that live in the area. If you're traveling with children, it is suggested to use disposable cameras as they are less likely to break and are fun to use. Don't forget to utilize the camera on your smartphone during your visit.
Who doesn't love animals? Most people visiting Table Top Wilderness during off-season enjoy an afternoon of wildlife viewing with their loved ones. Many people bring a pair or two of binoculars to enjoy watching all of the birds that soar through the sky.
In Table Top Wilderness, you will see a variety of animals. Ones that are seen more often than others are black horn sheep, tarantulas, and black-tailed jackrabbits. If you're lucky, you may even get the chance to spot a Gila monster.
A popular off-season activity that you may enjoy is hunting. Whether you're a local or just visiting, you will need a proper permit and license in order to hunt in Arizona. Luckily, this is easily accessible and hunting is allowed all year round. Some animals that you may see are turkeys, elk, deer, and even a black bear. To help preserve Table Top Wilderness, be sure to clean up any casings or cells that may be dispensed from your weapon.
