Tonto National Monument

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About

Situated within rugged terrain in the northeastern part of the Sonoran Desert, these well-preserved cliff dwellings were occupied during the 13th, 14th, and early 15th centuries.

Story

Lower Cliff Dwelling trail closes to uphill travel at 4:00 p.m. from September 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018.

Closed Christmas Day.

Entrance Fee: $5 per adult; children under 16 years of age free.

Address: 26260 AZ-188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545, USA

Phone: (928) 467-2241

Website

vog.spn@noitamrofni_tnot

State: Arizona

Zip Code: 85545

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Update Info

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Reviews

Enchanting cliff dwellings soaked in hundreds of years of Native American history. Known for their fine skills at polychrome clay pottery making and other artisan products. Overlooking the middle of Roosevelt Lake this hidden gem is sure to please everyone from the "I only take pictures then roll", to the avid "what is this species and what type of minerals did they use in that plate?"

 8 years ago (18-01-2018)

Love this place! We got in free with our national parks pass, but it's not very expensive if you don't have the pass. The trail up to the cliff dwellings is fairly short and very well paved, but it is rather steep. We brought our kids, the 1 year old was in a baby carrier, the 3 year old probably could have walked the whole way up but ended up being carried. Coming down he was definitely able to do independently.

 8 years ago (28-11-2017)

This was an interesting place to learn about the cliff dwellings, as well as the flora of southern Arizona! Make a short or long hike up to the cliff dwellings - 2 different examples. The Rangers are super helpful and knowledgeable about the park and the area in general.

 8 years ago (15-01-2018)

Very cool. There are cliff dwellings you can look around inside. The lower cliff dwelling is accessible up a 1/2 mile trail, but be warned, its kind of steep, you ascend up 350 ft in that 1/2 mile. There are benches and spots to take a short rest if you need it. The view as you go up is beautiful, you can see Roosevelt Lake. At the top there is a ranger who can give you a info about the structures. There is also an upper cliff dwelling at another trail, a 1 1/2 mile walkup but the ranger said it is not as steep. You have to make a reservation for a tour for the upper dwelling(by calling in advance)  but not the lower one, you can just go during open hours. The Ranger and the people who worked in the visitor center were very friendly and helpful. The price was $5 per person 16 and over, under 16 is free.

 8 years ago (26-11-2017)

Established in 1907, Tonto NM protects the cliff dwellings and the archeological remnant history of the Salado culture (Rio Salado) that farmed in the Salt River Valley of the Tonto Basin. From 1250 to 1450 CE, the Salado culture flourished. 

Around 700 CE, the Ancient Sonoran Desert People (the Hohokam from the Phoenix basin) moved to the Salt River in the Tonto Basin and mixed with local groups. Around 1100-1150 CE, the Ancestral Puebloans and the Mogollon People also occupied this area, searching for water and land resources. These combined groups became the Salado culture.

The combined characteristics of the Salado People brought about a culture known for its masonry cliff dwellings along with distinctive pottery and textiles.

Today, Tonto NM encompasses over 1,000 acres. Located near Roosevelt AZ, the visitor center offers information and exhibits about the Salado who lived in the area 700 years ago. There is also a theater and small educational bookstore.

From here, one can take a steep 0.5 mile trail to the Lower Cliff Dwelling (20 rooms) along a paved path. The hike usually takes one hour RT and must be started before 4:00 pm. In the summer, it is suggested to begin before 12:00 noon.

The Upper Cliff Dwelling (40 rooms) is accessed through guided trips only, reservations required. This tour only occurs on weekends November through April, and takes 3-4 hours.

 8 years ago (10-01-2018)

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