Located in AZ.
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,…
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Open daily · 8:00AM - 4:00PM
$10.00
Entrance - Per Person
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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.
Weather during the
can be extremely hot.
weather may create hazardous conditions on the roads to Tonto National Monument.
It is typically 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than Phoenix, AZ. Severe thunderstorms may lead to a closure of the hiking trails.
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
FreeEducation 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.
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.
Common questions
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics.
Tonto has Recreation.gov reservations including Salt River Canyon Wilderness Permit. Confirm current rules on Recreation.gov and the Permits tab before travel.
See Permits tab →
