The Lower Cliff Dwelling in Spring
Photo: NPS Photo
About
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.
Location
26260 N AZ Hwy 188 Lot 2
Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Per Person$10.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups$0.00
Hours
wednesday8:00AM - 4:00PM
monday8:00AM - 4:00PM
thursday8:00AM - 4:00PM
sunday8:00AM - 4:00PM
tuesday8:00AM - 4:00PM
friday8:00AM - 4:00PM
saturday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Activities
BikingRoad BikingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursHikingFront-Country HikingJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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.
Get directions →Weather
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.