Tonto National Monument was created to protect and preserve Native American cultural resources dating to roughly A.D. 1150 -1450, specifically related to the prehistoric Salado culture.
Well-preserved cliff dwellings were occupied by the Salado culture during the 13th, 14th, and early 15th centuries. The people farmed in the Salt River Valley and supplemented their diet by hunting and gathering native wildlife and plants. The Salado were fine craftsmen, producing some of the most exquisite polychrome pottery and intricately woven textiles to be found in the Southwest. Many of these objects are on display in the Visitor Center museum.
The monument is located in the Upper Sonoran ecosystem, known primarily for its characteristic saguaro cactus. Other common plants include: cholla, prickly pear, hedgehog, and barrel cactus (blooming April through June); yucca, sotol, and agave; creosote bush and ocotillo; palo verde and mesquite trees; an amazing variety of colorful wild flowers (February through March); and a lush riparian area which supports large Arizona black walnut, sycamore, and hackberry trees.
Tonto National Monument receives about 80,000 visitors per year. The busiest season is from mid-January through late April. Rangers and volunteers provide interpretive programs from short, single-topic talks to demonstrations. Guided tours to Upper Cliff Dwelling are available November through April. The trip takes 3-4 hours and covers 3 miles. Reservations are required. Self guided hikes along Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail to visit Lower Cliff Dwelling take 1-2 hours and cover 1 mile over a paved trail.
The Basics
Location:
30 miles northwest of Globe, Arizona near Roosevelt Lake
Hours:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Season:
Open year round
Price:
$3
Address:
HC02 Box 4602
Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Phone:
928-467-2241
Fax:
928-467-2225
Map
Some More Things to Know
Visitors can reach Tonto National Monument via the Apache Trail, 80 miles from Phoenix, or by a 30 mile drive over the paved Highway 88 from Globe. The Monument also may be reached from the Beeline Highway (State Route 87) via State Route 188.
Directions
Visitors can reach Tonto National Monument via the Apache Trail, 80 miles from Phoenix, or by a 30 mile drive over the paved Highway 88 from Globe. The Monument also may be reached from the Beeline Highway (State Route 87) via State Route 188.
Climate
Winter: lows in the 30s, highs in the 60s. Summer: lows in the 80s, highs 110+.
Watch our 18-minute orientation video, view the Lower Cliff Dwelling from the deck, and visit the museum.
60-minute visit:
Watch the video, visit the museum, and hike the 1/2-mile Lower Cliff Dwelling trail.
Have a picnic in our picnic area.
More time and plan ahead:
If the Upper Cliff Dwelling trail is open (November - April), make a reservation for the 3-mile round trip hike.
There may be special activities scheduled, such as full moon hikes, off-site hikes, and living history demonstrations.
For Kids
Tonto National Monument has two Junior Ranger booklets available. One requires hiking the 1/4-mile Cactus Patch Trail and answering questions along the way; the other contains games and puzzles, and is geared toward families who do not have time to complete the hike. A Junior Ranger badge is awarded upon completion. There is no charge for the Junior Ranger program.
Hiking
Tonto National Monument has several trails available for hiking. Wear sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, and be sure to drink plenty of water while hiking.
The paved 1/2-mile Lower Cliff Dwelling trail ascends 350 vertical feet to the dwelling, and is considered moderately strenuous; allow about an hour for the round-trip walk.
The Cactus Patch is an off-shoot of the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail. The paved 1/4-mile trail has interpretive signs about the cacti and other plants native to the Sonoran Desert. Allow about 20 minutes to complete this trail.
The unpaved 1.5-mile Upper Cliff Dwelling trail ascends 600 vertical feet, and is considered strenuous. You must be accompanied by park staff to visit this dwelling; guided tours are conducted from November through April, and last three to four hours. Three to four tours are given weekly, but are limited to 15 people and often fill quickly; call early for reservations.
Leashed pets are allowed on the Lower Cliff Dwelling and Cactus Patch trails; pets are not permitted on the Upper Cliff Dwelling trail.
Guided tours are offered to the Upper Cliff Dwelling at 10:00 a.m., from November through the end of April. Three or four tours are given weekly, depending on staffing. Tours are limited to 15 people and often fill quickly; call (928) 467-2241 for reservations.
Early bird tours are offered each Saturday in October and May at 8:00 a.m. (to beat the heat). Reservations are required.
Pets are not allowed on the Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail.
The trail to the Upper Cliff Dwelling is a backcountry trail. The first half of the trail meanders through a wash while gaining elevation, and requires negotiating shallow water, and some climbing on large rocks. The second half of the trail winds steeply via switchbacks and requires climbing a total of about 60 unevenly spaced steps. Keep in mind that reaching the dwelling is only half of the hike; you must return via the same route.
The hike is 3 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 600 feet. The tour takes 3 to 4 hours. Your guide will keep a moderate pace and stop frequently to talk about natural and cultural history. Rarely, a tour may be canceled due to extreme weather conditions or possible flash flooding. If we can anticipate this, we will try to call you.
You should consider this hike if:
1. You hike on a regular basis. 2. You engage in some sort of regular exercise several times weekly. 3. You have no serious health problems that limit your activities.
You should avoid this hike if:
1. You have had a serious illness, injury, or surgery recently and have not yet fully recovered. 2. You have problems with your balance, a respiratory condition, or other health problems that limit your activities. 3. You have little or no hiking experience.
Indoor Activities
The Visitor Center has a small museum with exhibits, a ranger-staffed front desk, a sales area, restrooms, and a video program upon request. These facilities are handicapped accessible.
Upstairs in the Visitor Center are an A/V room with an 18-minute program, and a viewing platform. This area is not handicapped accessible.
Nearby Attractions
The Apache Trail
The shortest route from Tonto National Monument to Phoenix is the 47-mile Apache Trail, with 22 miles of gravel road winding down, up, and around rugged canyons.
This road is suitable for family cars and small recreational vehicles. Since you may have to back up, towing a trailer is not recommended. Bridges and a few other places are not wide enough for two cars to meet.
Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park
At Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park in Globe, Arizona, visitors can walk through a 700-year-old pueblo and view numerous artifacts in the museum. Besh-Ba-Gowah has one of the largest single site archaeological collections in the southwest and is one of the largest and most complex of the Salado communities.
Tonto National Forest
Tonto National Forest surrounds the monument and offers boating and fishing on Roosevelt Lake, trails, back roads, camping, hunting, and a visitor center with exhibits. The lake and dam provide electrical power and water for irrigation and recreation.
