Entrance Fee
$10.00
/ Entrance - Per Person
Park Hours (Today)
8:00AM - 4:00PM
Visitor Center: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
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About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
Hike the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail
The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail begins in the visitor center and winds up the side of a mountain. It ends in the Lower Cliff Dwelling where visitors can walk through portions of the structure. Along the trail are views of the cliff dwelling, various desert plants, and Roosevelt Lake. This trail is open year-round, but hours vary. Please check for the most up-to-date hours.
Self-Guided Tours
Hike to the Lower Cliff Dwelling
This hike is one mile round trip with 350 feet of elevation change. Along the way, you will experience scenic views of the Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake. Waysides are placed along the path to give you more information on the people who lived here and the natural world. The hike will culminate at the Lower Cliff Dwelling where you can explore a number of rooms before you return upon the same path.
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center
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.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Per Person
$10.00Tonto National Monument charges a fee to all visitors hiking to the Lower or Upper Cliff Dwelling. Tour reservations are required to visit the Upper Cliff Dwelling. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open September through May 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and June through August 8:00 am to noon. Credit and Debit only
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
$0.00Education groups may be granted an educational fee waiver. All requests and documentation must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the school's planned visit.
Operating Hours
Tonto National Monument
Tonto National Monument is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm all year round. The park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The park closes early at 1:45 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. October 3rd through May 3rd, the Lower Cliff Dwelling trail is open 8 am to 3 pm. May 4th to October 3rd, you must start your hike before 12 pm (noon). The Visitor Center, store and museum are open from 8 am to 4 pm.
- Monday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Tuesday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Wednesday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Friday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Saturday8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sunday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Photos
Hillside with Saguaro Cactus
Visitor Center with cliff dwelling and a rainbow in the background.
Two story rooms of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.
The view looking out from the cliff dwelling over Roosevelt Lake.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Tonto National Monument
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