Photo: NPS Photo
Located within the northern range of the Sonoran Desert lie two cliff dwellings that were occupied from 1300-1450 CE (common era).
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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.
Due to the trail being steep of 12 percent grade, all visitors wishing to hike the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail must bring a water bottle with them. No Exceptions.
We are currently not taking reservations for our Upper Cliff Dwelling tours. The trail has been damaged due to the Monsoon season. For updated information please visit our website or the parks Facebook page.
Due to the potential of excessive summer heat, starting Monday May 4, The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail will close at 12:00P.M. The visitor center & park will remain open until 4:00P.M. These hours will be in place until Saturday October 3.
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Visitor centers, permits and reservations listed on Recreation.gov. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
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 display in the…
26260 N AZ Hwy 188 Lot 2, Roosevelt, AZ (928) 467-2241 Directions
Daily, 8:00AM - 4:00PM · Tonto National Monument
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.
| Monday | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Sunday | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
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.
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Weather during the summer can be extremely hot. It is typically 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than Phoenix, AZ. Winter weather may create hazardous conditions on the roads to Tonto National Monument. Severe thunderstorms may lead to a closure of the hiking trails.
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.
Mailing address: 26260 N AZ Hwy 188 Lot 2, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
