Arizona Map

Request Free Visitor Guides

Tonto National Monument

Contact Info
HC02 Box 4602
Roosevelt, AZ 85545

Phone:
928-467-2241
Basics
Location:
30 miles northwest of Globe, Arizona near Roosevelt Lake
Type:
National Park

Description

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.

Hours + Fees

Hours:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Season:
Open year round

Amenities

Amenities:
Modern Restrooms
Visitor Center
Picnic Area(s)

Details

Additional Details:
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.

Map + Directions

Basic 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.
Customizable Directions

Arizona Payson Gilbert

Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select one or more Free Visitor Guides below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Payson. More Visitor Guides are available in Arizona. Click here to view them all!

Arizona - The Grand Canyon State Arizona - The Grand Canyon State Arizona - The Grand Canyon State
ArizonaStart planning your Arizona vacation with the Official State Visitor's guide - available in print, electronically, or both. Fill out the form to request your free travel packet, which includes an Arizona Official State Visitor's Guide and an Arizona state highway map. The Arizona Office of Tourism ships domestically as well as the following countries only: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Canada and Mexico.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Arizona State Parks Arizona State Parks Arizona State Parks
State of Arizona
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.

Specialty Guides

Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters
Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and CaliforniaUnforgettable Tours Offered in Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.