Visit Tonto National Monument

Roosevelt, Arizona

3.7/5

based on 3 reviews

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Distance

1.5 miles

Elevation Gain

305 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lucas Bremer

Walk through the past in Tonto National Monument’s cliff dwellings.

Explore two remarkably preserved American Indian cliff dwellings that date back to the 13th century.

Set within a shelter bluff on the side of steep cliffs, the Upper and Lower Cliff Dwellings are well protected, and have great views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. If you get to the park early in the morning you may have the opportunity to see the resident owl's that live in the ruins.

The Upper Cliff Dwellings are available by guided tour only. Tours operate three or more times a week November through April, and the 3-mile tour lasts three to four hours.

The Lower Cliff Dwelling is a little easier to get to and does not require a guided tour. The mile trail opens at 8 a.m. and the trip will take you about an hour. But, feel free to take your time, as these dwellings are intriguing examples of early construction and architecture.

There is a fee to entry as this is a member of the National Park Service. More info on the park can be found here.

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Visit Tonto National Monument Reviews

Explorer

Korey Taylor

Explorer

Visit Tonto National Monument

07/29/22

I only ventured to the lower cliff dwelling, which was a short out and back walk along the paved path. The cliff dwelling is well preserved and we went on a weekday morning and had the location to ourselves. We detoured on our drive to stop here and felt it was worth it!

4.0

Crystal Sibson

Visit Tonto National Monument

08/14/20

The cliff dwellings are nicely preserved but make sure you book a tour for the upper ruins in advance. The tours are limited and can sell out. The lower ruins can be seen without a guide

4.0

Laura Hill

Visit Tonto National Monument

08/10/20

These are well preserved dwelling, so if you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture here, it’s worth a visit. I went when I was much younger and it’s great for families.

3.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Visit Tonto National Monument

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Visit Tonto National Monument Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

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Hike to Brown's Peak

Hike Rogers Canyon Trail

Kayak Canyon Lake Reservoir

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Photograph Elephant Arch

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