Tonto National Monument
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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.
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Camping: None at location, dispersed sites nearby.
FEE: Required
Water: Potable water available at developed campgrounds. Pack in extra supply for dispersed camping.
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Nearby Locations
Roosevelt Lake
McFadden Peak
Tonto National Monument
Cliff dwellings of the Salado communities dating from 1250–1450, plus a museum with artifacts.
The trails to the dwellings do not meet accessibility standards and are steeply graded. The Lower Cliff Dwelling trail is paved, but is steep and includes some steps. The Upper Dwelling is a backcountry trail, and is unpaved with many steps.
There is no camping in Tonto National Monument, the surrounding Tonto National Forest operates numerous campgrounds. The Forest Service offers hundreds of sites for tent and RV camping all around Roosevelt Lake, many of which are within a 15 minute drive of the monument.
There is no camping at the Park. Although there is no camping in Tonto National Monument, the surrounding Tonto National Forest operates numerous campgrounds. The Forest Service offers hundreds of sites for tent and RV camping all around Roosevelt Lake, many of which are within a 15 minute drive of the monument.
The trails to the dwellings do not meet accessibility standards and are steeply graded. The Lower Cliff Dwelling trail is paved, but is steep and includes some steps. The Upper Dwelling is a backcountry trail, and is unpaved with many steps.
Arizona
26260 Arizona 188, Roosevelt, AZ
Gila County
33°38'39.4"N 111°06'45.0"W
Elevation: 2,830 feet
Directions:
From Phoenix Metro Area via State Highway 87
Take 87 north toward Payson. Turn right on State Highway 188 heading southeast. Continue 39 miles to Tonto National Monument on the right. This way is closer for people traveling from Scottsdale or Fountain Hills.
From Phoenix Metro Area via State Highway 60
Take 60 east toward Globe. Turn left on State Highway 188 heading northwest. Continue 25 miles to Tonto National Monument on the left. This way is closer for people traveling from Mesa or Casa Grande.
Tonto National Monument - Roosevelt, Arizona
January 17, 2022