About Tonto National Monument
Located within the northern range of the Sonoran Desert lie two cliff dwellings that were occupied from 1300-1450 CE (common era). They represent a vibrant culture consisting of local and immigrant groups that lived in the Tonto Basin. Together they formed a new ideology, which archeologists refer to as Salado. Today, descendants of the cliff dwellers continue to call Arizona home.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Tonto National Monument charges a fee to all visitors hiking to the Lower or Upper Cliff Dwelling. Tour reservations are required to visit the Upper Cliff Dwelling. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open September through May 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and June through August 8:00 am to noon. Credit and Debit only
Education groups may be granted an educational fee waiver. All requests and documentation must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the school's planned visit.
Operating Hours
Tonto National Monument is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm all year round. The park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The park closes early at 1:45 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. October 3rd through May 3rd, the Lower Cliff Dwelling trail is open 8 am to 3 pm. May 4th to October 3rd, you must start your hike before 12 pm (noon). The Visitor Center, store and museum are open from 8 am to 4 pm.
Activities
Getting There
The cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument are roughly two hours from the Phoenix metro area, located in the Tonto Basin. The Monument is off AZ Highway 188 near Roosevelt Lake. The nearest major towns are Globe (30 miles) and Payson (50 miles). See our Directions page for recommendations on the best way to drive here from the larger metro areas of Arizona.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Hike the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail
The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail begins in the visitor center and winds up the side of a mountain. It ends…
The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail starts in the visitor center and winds up a steep path, ending in the Lower…
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center offers an introduction on the people who built the dwellings 700 years ago. Artifacts and replicas of pottery and textiles are on…
Hours: The Visitor Center/Museum is open 8 am to 4 p.m. except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The visitor center will close early at 2:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
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