Photo by Mare Czinar

Near the 4,356-foot summit of Table Top Mountain, a series of low walls stand in stony silence over the sprawling desert lowlands of the Vekol Valley. The origin and purpose of the walls is shrouded in mystery, baffling archeologists and geologists. Easy to spot from the freeways near Casa Grande, the distinct, solitary, flat-topped mesa is a familiar landmark, rising 2,000 feet above hazy cotton fields and desert plains. Getting to the top is easier than it appears. An obvious, gradual trail crawls up the mountain through bajadas, ancient basalt lava flows and pristine communities of ironwood and mesquite trees to the crest of the mesa. There, a breezy, 40-acre, yucca-dotted grassland rolls out like an overgrown shag carpet stitched together in loose clumps of sun-bleached, earth-tone fodder.

Length: 7 miles roundtrip
Rating: moderate
Elevation gain: 2,057 feet
Getting there: To reach the Table Top Wilderness Area from Phoenix, travel south on Interstate 10 to Interstate 8. Go west on I-8 to the Vekol Valley Interchange (exit 144). From there, go south on Vekol Road for 2.1 miles to the Vekol Ranch turnoff, veer right and follow the “trail” posts for 15.2 miles to the signed campsite with vault toilets. The dirt access road is well maintained and marginally passable by sedan. However, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to some sandy portions and deep ruts. A four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary if the roads are wet.
Information: 623-580-5500 or az.blm.gov/pfo/ttm.htm