Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Just southwest of Tucson lies one of the least visited national monuments in the United States: Ironwood Forest National Monument.
This week, we head deep into the Sonoran Desert to explore giant multi-armed saguaros, rugged volcanic mountains, abandoned mining areas, and even a forgotten Cold War missile site that once housed one of the most powerful nuclear weapons ever deployed by the United States.
Along the way we visit the Silver Bell Mountains, the Silver Bell Cemetery, remote desert roads, and Ragged Top Mountain while uncovering the long history of this harsh and beautiful landscape, from ancient hunter-gatherers and the Hohokam, to the Tohono O’Odham, mining booms, and the Cold War.
Most people drive past this place on Interstate 10 without ever realizing what’s out here. Today, we’re going to change that.
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►Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/SidetrackAdventures
►Please subscribe for weekly updates showcasing some of our adventures: youtube.com/channel/UCdueDRFYPVgzPAAOM_bxVWA?sub_confirmation=1
►Also please follow Sidetrack Adventures on Instagram: instagram.com/sidetrackadventures
►Music in this video is from Epidemic Sounds; use our link for a free trial: share.epidemicsound.com/v927fj
Just southwest of Tucson lies one of the least visited national monuments in the United States: Ironwood Forest National Monument.
This week, we head deep into the Sonoran Desert to explore giant multi-armed saguaros, rugged volcanic mountains, abandoned mining areas, and even a forgotten Cold War missile site that once housed one of the most powerful nuclear weapons ever deployed by the United States.
Along the way we visit the Silver Bell Mountains, the Silver Bell Cemetery, remote desert roads, and Ragged Top Mountain while uncovering the long history of this harsh and beautiful landscape, from ancient hunter-gatherers and the Hohokam, to the Tohono O’Odham, mining booms, and the Cold War.
Most people drive past this place on Interstate 10 without ever realizing what’s out here. Today, we’re going to change that.
○ Gear we use: amazon.com/shop/sidetrackadventures
►Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/SidetrackAdventures
►Please subscribe for weekly updates showcasing some of our adventures: youtube.com/channel/UCdueDRFYPVgzPAAOM_bxVWA?sub_confirmation=1
►Also please follow Sidetrack Adventures on Instagram: instagram.com/sidetrackadventures
►Music in this video is from Epidemic Sounds; use our link for a free trial: share.epidemicsound.com/v927fj
