Your Guide to Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025: The Ultimate Nomadic Gathering
🌵What is the Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025?
The Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025 is the fourth annual event for nomads, YouTube creators, and supporters that takes place in the Ironwood Forest National Monument.
🗓️ When is the Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025?
Join us for the 4th annual Arizona Ironwood Meetup, happening February 7-11, 2025!
While the official event runs for these five days, many attendees choose to arrive early or stay longer to soak in the beautiful surroundings. You’re welcome to camp on BLM land for up to 14 days at a time. Don’t forget to RSVP here here!
Where does the Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025 take place?
This meet-up takes place inside the Ironwood Forest National Monument northwest of Tucson, Arizona, and near Marana, AZ. See the interactive Google map below to explore the area:
Who organizes the Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025?
❓How do I stay up to date on all the latest information?
Your organizers have put together a Facebook group for all past and future meet-up attendees to share photos, ask questions, and get to know one another. Click the button below to join!
Want to support the meetup?
Order Your Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025 T-shirt
Get your official Ironwood 2025 Meetup T-Shirt and show your support for this amazing event! Available now with the option to personalize with your name and channel—order yours today and wear it proudly at the meetup. Grab yours here.
If you need to have your shirt shipped to us for pickup at the meetup, please message us here to get the shipping address you need.
Support the Meetup with a Digital Donation
You can help cover essential costs like firewood by making a donation here. Every bit helps us create a great experience for everyone!
What types of activities will be at the Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025 (Overview)?
Savor the beautiful Sonoran desert landscape, plant life, and wildlife. Over the weekend, there will be daily excursions for those interested. Some of the excursions include:
- Journey to view the petroglyphs left by the Hohokam people 🥾
Embark on a journey to explore ancient petroglyphs created by the Hohokam people, who inhabited the region from approximately 200 to 1450 CE.
These rock carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and artistry of this prehistoric culture.
As we visit these sites, you’ll have the opportunity to witness intricate designs etched into stone, depicting animals, human figures, and geometric patterns.
It’s a chance to connect with the rich history of the area and ponder the meanings behind these ancient symbols. - Visit the glider port and watch the gliders fly (potentially ride in one!) 👀
Experience the thrill of silent flight as you watch gliders soar gracefully above the desert landscape.
The glider port offers a unique opportunity to witness these incredible aircraft take to the skies—no engines, just pure aerodynamic magic!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even have the chance to hop in and take a ride yourself for an unforgettable aerial view of the Ironwood Forest. - Excursion to the Rockland Hotel ruins 🥾
Step back in time with a visit to the remnants of the Rockland Hotel in the ghost town of Sasco.
Established in the early 1900s, Sasco (Southern Arizona Smelting Company) was once a bustling community supporting local mining operations.
Today, the skeletal remains of the Rockland Hotel stand as a testament to the town’s vibrant past.
Walking through these ruins, you’ll imagine the lives of the 600 residents who once called this place home, exploring the hotel’s stone walls and the stories they silently tell. - Explore the Silver Bell Mine smelter area 🥾
Step back in time and explore the historic Silver Bell Mine smelter area, where remnants of Arizona’s rich mining past still stand.
Wander through the fascinating ruins, take in the scenic desert surroundings, and immerse yourself in the history of this once-thriving copper mining community.
A great adventure for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike! - Potluck dinner 🍽️
Nothing brings the community together like food!
Our potluck dinner is a delicious way to connect with fellow nomads, share your favorite dishes, and enjoy a diverse spread of homemade goodness.
Whether you’re bringing a signature dish or just coming to enjoy the feast, it’s sure to be a highlight of the meetup.
Don’t forget to RSVP and let us know what you’re bringing! - Group campfires 🔥
Gather around the crackling campfire each evening for storytelling, laughter, and good vibes under the desert sky.
Whether you’re sharing travel tales, enjoying live music, or simply soaking up the warmth, our group campfires provide the perfect setting to unwind and build lasting connections with fellow attendees. - Games Tournament 🎲
Get ready to test your skills and have some fun with our exciting lineup of games! 🏆
Whether you’re aiming for a perfect toss in LED Cornhole, showing off your precision in Horseshoes, sinking cups in Beer Pong, or stacking your way to victory in Jenga, there’s something for everyone.
These friendly competitions are a great way to connect with fellow nomads, enjoy some laughs, and maybe even take home some bragging rights! 🎯🍻🏅 - Enjoy LIVE music by Hank Topless 🎶
“Based in Tucson, AZ, singer / songwriter Hank Topless delivers a honkytonk countryblues sound unlike any other. Drawing unpredictable energy from the razor’s edge between tragedy and triumph, the battle between right and wrong, he views the world through the prism of a hardscrabble past.” - Instruments are welcome at the meetup if you play 🎸
Got a talent for strumming, drumming, or humming?
Bring your instrument and join in on the fun!
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just love to jam around the campfire, we encourage everyone to share their musical vibes.
Let’s make some unforgettable memories under the stars with impromptu performances and good company!
When are the events for the Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025 happening?
We will have a dry-erase board in the community tent with the most up-to-date schedule of events.
Also, in the Facebook group, you’ll find pinned posts 📌 for individual art workshops. If you are interested in one of the art workshops, please sign up on the appropriate post or create your own post with what workshop you are thinking to offer. You can also message us to discuss your workshop or class.
We will have a community campfire each evening. Thank you to everyone from the 2024 Arizona Ironwood Meetup who donated to our firewood fund. If you are interested in donating to the firewood fund, please see Steve, one of the other meetup hosts, or you can do a digital donation via PayPal here.
Tentative Schedule of Events for the Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025:
⭐️ We will have an ongoing gaming tournament in the game area/main fire area hosted by Greg of Fit4Expedition.
Friday, February 7, 2025 – Day 1 Meet & Greet
- Opening day of the meetup!
- Snag your Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025 sticker
- Sign our Guest Book
- Meet and greet your hosts:
- Greg (Fit4Expedition)
- Marshall (Mellow Nomadic Adventures)
- Steve (Desert Adventures in Arizona)
- Ron (Ron Sees America)
- Community Campfire in the evening 🔥
Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Luau-themed 🌸
- 10:00 am – Petroglyphs Tour with Steve from Desert Adventures in Arizona (will have lunch after)
- 10:00 am – Gliderport Tour with Ron Sees America (will have lunch after)
- Luau-themed evening by Fit4Expedition.
- LIVE music by Tucson-based singer/songwriter, Hank Topless 🎸 🎶
- Luau-themed Community Campfire 🔥
Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Outings and Potluck
- 10:00 am – Sasco Tour with Steve of Desert Adventures in Arizona (will need to take snacks or lunch and water with you)
- 1:00 pm – 🌵 Cactus Study in Watercolor Painting Class with Lani of The Crafty Traveler (Suggested donation of $10 to cover your supplies.)
- Afternoon/evening Potluck in the Community area 🍽️ You can even RSVP your Potluck dish.
- Community Campfire 🔥
Monday, February 10, 2025 -Workshops
- Desert Income Kickstart Workshop with Marshall of Mellow Nomadic Adventures
- Nightly Community Campfire 🔥
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
- Raffles and Giveaway Day
- Check your BINGO scorecards for a chance to earn tickets to win a prize!
- Clean up
Potluck Food Prep & Storage Tips 🍽️
Bringing a dish to the potluck? Here are some helpful tips to ensure your food stays safe, delicious, and ready to enjoy at the meetup:
- Keep it Hot (or Cold):
- Hot foods should be reheated or maintained at 165°F (74°C) or above. If bringing a hot dish, wrap the pot or dish in a thick towel or blanket and cover it with a lid or foil to help retain heat.
- Cold dishes should be kept at 40°F (4°C) or below using coolers with ice packs to prevent spoilage.
- Serving Supplies:
- If you’re bringing a dish that requires specific utensils (e.g., soup, salad, or casseroles), please bring any necessary serving spoons, tongs, bowls, or plates to go with it.
- Label your dish and utensils to make sure they find their way back to you.
- Transporting Your Dish:
- Secure dishes in your vehicle to avoid spills and leaks.
- Consider using disposable foil pans or containers with tight-fitting lids for easy cleanup and transport.
- Minimizing Waste:
- Bring reusable plates, utensils, and cups to cut down on trash.
- If your dish is in single-serving portions (e.g., sandwiches, muffins), pre-wrap them individually to make serving easier and faster.
- Allergy Awareness:
- Clearly label your dish if it contains common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten to help fellow attendees make informed choices.
By following these simple tips, we can make the potluck a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Thank you for contributing and helping us keep things fun and food-safe! 🍴🔥❄️
How the Potluck Ticket System Works 🎟️
- First Plate:
- At check-in, you’ll receive a ticket for the potluck from a co-host.
- There’s no cost for tickets as long as you’re contributing to the potluck.
- If you’re unable to bring a dish, you can make a monetary donation to receive a ticket.
- Hand in your ticket for your first plate.
- Second Plate:
- Hold onto your ripped half of the ticket if you’d like seconds.
- We’ll announce when it’s time for second servings—present your ripped half to get another plate.
Why the Ticket System?
We want to make sure everyone gets their first serving before anyone goes back for seconds. This keeps it fair and ensures plenty of food for everyone!
Tentative Potluck List for Sunday, February 9, 2025
To ensure a safe and enjoyable potluck for everyone, please remember to practice good food and health safety—wash your hands frequently, use serving utensils for shared dishes, and if you’re feeling under the weather, it’s best to sit this one out and enjoy the event from a distance. Let’s keep our community healthy and have a fantastic meal together!
Steve will provide a grill for community to use if needed.
- Steve (Desert Adventures in Arizona): Hot Dogs and condiments
- Lani Nagy (The Crafty Traveler): Black Beans and Rice
- Jack (Captain Jack Scrapper): Baked Beans
- Timothy Hoang (MoBang FoYoBucks): Eggrolls
- Lisa Forbes (Outdoor Dash Travels): Buffalo Chicken Dip with Chips
- Marshall (Mellow Nomadic Adventures): Antipasto Skewers
- Lester Abbott: Beer!
- Anna＆Lee: Fried Noodles
- Brock (Aussie Van Man): Puerto Rican Rice
- Shelley Danzer: Tabbouleh with Quinoa and Veggies
- Brian Hoffner (Vintage Vanlife): 2 Fruit Pies
- Wanda & Mike Spatzer: Veggie Platter and Cole Slaw
- Mary Woo: Fried Rice with Veggies and Tofu in Chili Ginger Sauce
- Teresa McDermott: Black Forest Chocolate Cake
- Jane Janson: Three-bean Salad
- John Gerrard: Garlic Bread
- Valerie T (Val’s in a Van): Jalapeño Corn Bread
- Cindy Lu cress: Meatballs
- Gracie (Gracie and Jacq’s Adventures): Upside Down Pineapple Cake
- Randal (Mark Rambo): Enchiladas
- Greg (Fit4Expedition): Tamales
- Christine: Fried Chicken
Are you participating in the potluck? Click here to let us know what dish you’re bringing!
💸 Desert Income Kickstart Workshop 💸
Hosted by Marshall of Mellow Nomadic Adventures
Jumpstart your journey to earning income on the road! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies to monetize your nomadic lifestyle—whether through content creation, affiliate marketing, or offering your unique skills. Walk away with actionable steps and tools to start generating income while enjoying life on the move.
What are other points of interest at the Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025?
View our custom map for the Arizona Ironwood Meetup 2025 below. If on a mobile device, use two fingers to pinch and zoom.
FAQ
Learn about other meet-ups around the world:
Back in 2021, I noticed there was no central place to find out about the various meet-ups that take place across North America and around the world. I decided to fix that and I began adding meet-ups to this website. To view the current list of meet-ups, click the image below:
