Tonto National Monument

Lower Cliff Dwelling

The Lower Cliff Dwelling in Spring

The Salado Phenomena, 700 years ago, blended ideas of neighboring Native American cultures to emerge a unique and vibrant society. Tonto National Monument showcases two Salado-style cliff dwellings. Colorful pottery, woven cotton cloth, and other artifacts tell a story of people living and using resources from the northern Sonoran Desert from 1250 to 1450 CE.

Saguaro Cactus

Hillside with Saguaro Cactus near the Lower Cliff Dwelling

Visitor Center Dwelling

The Visitor Center sits below the Lower Cliff Dwelling

Upper Cliff Dwelling

Front view of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.

Upper Cliff Dwelling

The view from the back of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.

Tent Pad Site G06

Picnic Table and Fire Grate Site G06

Driveway for Site G06

RecAreaDirections

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.

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Facilities

Visitor Center 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 museum while the park store, operated by Western National Parks Association, sells educational items. The 20-minute park movie, located on the upstairs viewing platform, shows on demand throughout the day. Ask park staff for accessible movie options.

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