Tonto National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Arizona
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
The Lower Cliff Dwelling in Spring
Credit: NPS Photo
Hillside with Saguaro Cactus near the Lower Cliff Dwelling
Credit: NPS Photo/ Christa Sadler
The Visitor Center sits below the Lower Cliff Dwelling
Credit: NPS Photo/ Macario Mora
Front view of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.
Credit: NPS Photo/ Davis Stevenson
The view from the back of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.
Credit: NPS Photo/ Davis Stevenson
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Monday, Mar 9
Patchy rain nearby
High: 81.1°F | Low: 53.8°F
Humidity: 25%
Wind: 15.7 mph
Rain Chance: 76%
UV Index: 1.6
Sunrise: 06:42 AM
Sunset: 06:27 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (72%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 53.1°F
Cloud Cover: 76%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Mar 10
Patchy rain nearby
High: 64.2°F | Low: 48.4°F
Humidity: 77%
Wind: 12.5 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 06:41 AM
Sunset: 06:28 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (63%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 51.8°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Mar 11
Sunny
High: 75.6°F | Low: 43°F
Humidity: 57%
Wind: 6.7 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.7
Sunrise: 06:39 AM
Sunset: 06:29 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (54%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 49.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail Luminaria Night
On Saturday, December 13th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm; we will place small white bags with votive candles placed along the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail and throughout the Lower Cliff Dwellings. The Trail will be open to the public until 8:00pm. With all the lights along the Trail and Lower Cliff Dwellings, it is a very beautiful sight to behold. We would like to encourage the public to participate in this very special event.
Location: Event takes place along the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail and Lower Cliff Dwellings.
Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Astronomy Night
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Club, a passionate collective of stargazing enthusiasts, is dedicated to sharing their love and knowledge of the universe with the public. For this special event, they are bringing their expertise, impressive telescopes, and infectious enthusiasm to the stunning backdrop of Tonto National Monument. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to experience the night sky in a way that is both accessible and profoundly awe-inspiring.
While the TAAA will provide the expertise and the equipment, a little preparation will ensure your comfort and enjoyment:
- Dress warmly: Desert nights can get surprisingly chilly, even after a warm day. Layers are your friend.
- Bring a red-light flashlight: White light can ruin night vision for everyone. A red-filtered flashlight will help you navigate without disturbing your fellow stargazers.
- Pack snacks and drinks: Staying hydrated and fueled will make the experience more enjoyable.
- Consider a blanket or chair: While some viewing may be done standing, a comfortable place to sit and gaze upwards is a welcome addition.
- Check the weather forecast: While clear skies are ideal, events may be adjusted or canceled in case of inclement weather.
Who is this event for?
This event is for everyone! Whether you're a seasoned astronomer eager to share your passion, a curious beginner who has always wondered what's out there, a family looking for an educational and memorable adventure, or simply someone seeking a moment of quiet contemplation under a canopy of stars, this night is for you. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and a sense of wonder.
Location: Amphitheater: West of the Visitor Center next to Cactus Patch Trail.
Date: Jan 10, 2026 12:00am to Jan 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Plants of the Upland Sonoran Desert Botany Walk
Come and join park voluteers Becky & Teri as they explore the plants of the Upland Sonoran Desert and learn how they thrive in the harsh enviroment of Arizona.
Date: Mar 6, 2026 12:00am to Mar 6, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Desert Photography Class
Hone your photography skills wih park volunteer Peni.
She will cover the basics of: composition, 3rd rule, white balance, & histograms.
You will need to bring your: Digital SLR camera, a tripod, polarizer, and a basic understanding of your camera.
Reservations are required.
Date: Mar 21, 2026 12:00am to Mar 21, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Meet President Theodore Roosevelt
President Roosevelt returns to Tonto Basin!
Colorado based historian and Theodore Roosevelt historical performer Kurt Skinner takes audiences of all ages back to a time when Theodore Roosevelt embodied all the promise of the new American century.
We hope you can join us for this special visit by the man who made the cliff dwellings a National Monument.
Date: Mar 22, 2026 12:00am to Mar 22, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Drawing Class
Do you want to become the next Picasso? Come draw with us. Join local Tonto Basin artist Cheryl Fecht & draw the lower cliff dwelling.
Date: Apr 11, 2026 12:00am to Apr 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
26260 N AZ Hwy 188 Lot 2
Roosevelt, AZ 85545
🏤 Mailing Address:
26260 N AZ Hwy 188 Lot 2
Roosevelt, AZ 85545
📞 Voice Phone: 9284672241
📞 Fax Phone: 9284672225
✉️ Email: tont_information@nps.gov