A great stop to make when out in the area. We did the lower dwelling as we didn't have a reservation for the upper. I would say if you only plan to do the lower dwelling I wouldn't recommend going super out of the way for this as it's a pretty quick stop. The hike up wasn't bad, but my husband and I are active. It was really interesting being able to get so close to history, and the views from up there are amazing! This has been on my bucket list for awhile and I'm glad I finally get to check it off. read more

See all

I was in the area so I stopped by the tonto national monument and it was well worth the stop! My friend had an annual parks pass which provided access for all three of us. We hiked up to the lower cliff dwellings which is a short, but steep hike. It's a great view of Roosevelt Lake and the mountains from the top! The cliff dwellings are super cool to see! You can even seen remnants of grindstones. Ranger Dave was extremely nice and knowledgeable. The upper cliff dwellings can only be accessed via a ranger-led tour so I'll have to come back another day to check those out. read more

See all

If you've never stopped to check out these cliff dwellings you're missing out. When given the opportunity to get so close to history you should seize it! Views are beautiful and it's definitely a good workout up that hill. It is well taken care of and rangers knowledgeable. Great view points all the way up the paved trail which gives you the reason to stop, catch your breath and take some pictures. Do your research and you'd be surprised how many different communities of cliff dwellers are all over Arizona with some dating back to 1100. Amazing! read more

See all

This was a really nice visitor center. The lady working here was very nice and helpful. The center was clean and had lots of information on the Tonto National Monument. Cute souvenirs in the shop and the trail starts from the visitors center. The restrooms were decent. read more

See all

This national monument is location in the Superstition Mountains near Roosevelt Lake and is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest. Construction of the upper and lower cliff dwellings began around 1300 CE and lasted till about 1450 CE. These dwelling are located within a cave and were occupied by the Salado culture. Many of the artifacts that were excavated are located inside the visitor center. You are able to walk around the lower dwellings, but the upper cliff dwelling is accessible only by guided tour with a reservation. The walk from the visitor center to the dwellings is a little bit of a hike. It's paved but steep. There are lots of beautiful plants and cacti to look at along the way. When I went, there were two rangers at the dwellings that were there to answer questions. I enjoyed walking around the site and the gorgeous views of Roosevelt Lake. Inside the visitor center are artifacts to look at, educational material to read, a gift shop and a place to stamp your national parks passport book. There is also free spring water available for refilling bottles. Admission is free with a US National Park Pass. read more

See all

We did the Upper Dwelling hike. Took way too long (we could have completed it round trip in an hour or so) but it took almost 3. We are still fortunate to have gotten a reservation, and did enjoy the exclusive access. One interesting thing, is that the guides refused to answer if human remains had ever been found in the park, saying they weren't. After researching at home, they have, according to this 2014 register published by the National Monument themselves: [NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-14644; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]. Don't know why they didn't want to talk about it. Also, the guide said Navajo Nation capital is in Shiprock, NM, but it's in Window Rock, AZ. read more

Fabulous! Wonderful volunteers! We kept making use of my parents' recently acquired national parks pass, as well as our desire to adventure on the Apache Trail on this day. That brought us to Tonto National Monument. Cliff dwellings! That you can get up close to and walk around in! If your knees are up for the climb, that is... I was particularly interested in the upper cliff dwellings but...it turns out those dwellings and the trails to them are only open on certain days and must be reserved in advance. I was disappointed but it was fine. I wish the website had been clearer about that. The woman working at the counter was incredibly friendly and warm, welcoming us and giving us the rundown. She also asked my sister and me (ages 35 and 36, respectively), if we were interested in the Junior Ranger program. We sort of giggled but were slightly intrigued and she informed us that ANYONE at ANY AGE can do the junior ranger workbook at ANY national park or monument, get sworn in as a junior ranger, and get a BADGE. You best believe we immediately and eagerly said YES MA'AM we would love to do that! There was even more information in the booklet about the monument than on just the signs around the trail! We were sworn in at the end and given an etched wooden pin badge to keep. The badges are unique to the park or monument too! I realize I am a nearly middle-aged woman, but I LOVE THIS. I think I just started a new collection and goal... Anyway....the dwellings. It is a *very* steep trail up to the cliff dwellings. There is a ranger or volunteer stationed up there for any questions you might have. And my gosh WHAT a view of the Salt River and Roosevelt Lake! Arizona is a breathtakingly beautiful state. There are benches along the way up and informational signs. But like I said, it is quite steep and not for those with mobility issues. Take your time if you need to, if you really want to make it up there to see the dwellings. There was only one informational sheet at the top, which was fine for a while when it was just my sister and me. But if there is a small group, or other interested parties up there, only having one could be a drawback. Worked out fine for us, though. We all had a lovely time and had a lot of fun doing the ranger activities. I do personally think it is worth a visit, especially the drive through the Superstition Mountains. The views are just spectacular. read more

See all

This was a super educational visit for my granddaughter. She was given a workbook when we arrived to the visitors center and at the end of our visit she was sworn in as a Junior Ranger. The facilities at the visitors center were clean and well organized. The exhibitions were full of information and we both learned a lot. The trail to the ruins is very steep but it is paved and there are benches for resting on the way up, as long as posted information on the plant life which gave me the excuse to stop and catch my breath! The ruins are fascinating and the ranger stationed at the top gave interesting insights and was able to answer our questions about the Native Americans who dwelled here centuries ago. The views of the Tonto Basin and Lake Roosevelt from the top are beautiful. We'll worth a day trip from the greater-Phoenix area! read more

See all

Beautiful! The path to the lower dwelling is VERY steep but paved. My dad was in a mobility scooter but it was too steep for him to make it very far. There are small signs posted here and there about different vegetation. There are also larger signs about the land and what it was used for, etc. Once you reach the dwelling there are signs to advise you that this area is very fragile. There was also an incredibly knowledgeable ranger there to offer up information and answer questions. read more

See all

Great ruins to visit and explore. The walk up is a Mike but quite the vertical climb up the switchbacks. Multiple benches are available and the wild flowers along the way we're beautiful. The park ranger at the runs was very helpful and informative. Your do get to explore the ruins and see the actual character as well. Wonderful place to visit in the morning while it is cool read more

See all

Our first drive to reach Tonto National Monument and Roosevelt Lake was a fail. Driving up 88 did not work because the road simply ends. The road transformed from two lane paved to two lane dirt to one lane dirt then it stopped. It was probably related to forest fires. While we didn't make it that day, we did get to experience the beautiful Canyon Lake, the best paddleboarding lake in Arizona that I've seen. A weekend later we successfully made it driving the big loop of 88 to 188 to 87. The hike up from the parking lot to the lower cliff dwelling was a steep inclined paved path. The view at the top brought to view the full southern end of Lake Roosevelt. The Lower Cliff Dwellings were nicely maintained. The Park Service even had a person stationed there to answer questions. Looking back on our visit to the Monument, I didn't realize that there was an Upper Cliff Dwelling! Ugh! Missed opportunity! read more

Tonto National Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Roosevelt, Arizona

See all

Fantastic site to visit! Loads of history and very knowledgeable rangers. The overlook of Roosevelt Lake was so beautiful. Well-preserved ruins... in fact wood beams were original. Many plaques filled with information along the path. Two options are available to see the dwellings: the Lower Dwelling Path or the Upper Dwelling Hike. We opted for the Lower Dwelling Path. It was free and all that was available during our visit. The path is paved. Some say it is wheelchair/stroller accessible but I thought it was too steep for that. Elevation changes by about 400ft in a half mile so you can be the judge! There were many stopping points along the way to rest if needed. The Upper Dwelling hike is available on weekends. It is $10 person and requires a reservation. Slots fill quickly so don't hesitate to plan. The park is a little out of the way. It is 1.5 hours from Phoenix and 1.5 hours from Casa Grande Ruins. The scenery along the way is stunning. Those reviews that comment it is not worth it are incorrect! Not a lot of services along the way so gas up ahead of time. The amazing views of Roosevelt Lake and the Roosevelt Dam were breathtaking. Parking lot is large and paved. Restrooms very nice. Few snacks in gift shop. Nice displays. read more

See all

Great site to visit a cliff dwelling of the southwestern natives from hundreds of years ago. Trail is accessible via a paved trail and no stairs or ladders like many comparable sites. read more

Tonto Lower Cliff Dwelling is definitely worth a visit if you're over by Roosevelt lake. Had no idea this was there until we saw some random building off in the distance and tried to find out what it was. There's a visitors center and a little museum as well as a gift shop. The staff there were incredibly friendly and well informed. Forgot the exact price to take the hike, but it was inexpensive and well worth it. They use the money to preserve the history and the structures from vandalism so it's even more worth it. The hike was about a quarter mile on a paved trail, and just enough of a workout to remind me I'm out of shape. But definitely doable. At the end of the hike they have a guide up there to tell you all the history and answer any questions you have, as well as keep an eye on the place. It's crazy to see and walk through something that was built in the 13th century and hear stories of the habitants that built and lived there. If you like history this is 100% worth visiting if you're near the area. read more

See all

This is way out of the way for most travelers but very much worth seeing. The view is absolutely incredible from up in the cliffs, and it's really neat to walk around in homes from so long ago. The visitor center has some good video clips of people now harvesting and using local resources the same way people then did which helps it come alive. Lovely place for a picnic too. Note- plan ahead if you want to see the upper dwelling since you will have to reserve a space on a guided hike ahead of time. read more

Great area to be in. So many sites and views. 2 hours north east of the city. Great day trip. Multiple ways to get here.

Interesting! We came to visit the cliff dwellings on our last day of our trip to Arizona. This was a Monday and the place was not crowded at all and the weather was a comfortable high 70's on a mild October on Halloween Day. To start the climb you must go through the Visitor Center and the entrance fee is $5/person (free if you have a current National Park annual pass). Prior to starting the trail there is a landing where guests can sit and view a short 20-min film about the history of the Pueblo Indians who adapted themselves in this desert. There are available benches. Archaeologists called these Pueblos the Salados (Salt River, which flowed through the valley of their homeland). The ascent is .5-miles uphill hike and 300 ft high elevation. Hydrate and bring water bottle with you. There are interpretive signs along the way passing through ancient saguaros, desert plants and lush Sonoran desert as we hiked the trail to the lower cliff dwelling to get to the ruins. It is a narrow paved trail and there are benches to rest. Once we reached the top there was a park ranger ready to answer our questions and educate us. The cliff dwellings are fascinating and how the Salados built these dwellings are even more interesting. We were able to wander freely in and around the ruins. The Salados lived in cool, thick-walled apartment-like villages. As the path climbs even higher, the view of Roosevelt Lake down in the valley grows ever wider. Cool view. Review #0608 read more

See all

I probably wouldn't recommend going out of your way to drive from Phoenix just to see this. The lower cliff dwellings are a short half-mile hike up a hill and the upper cliff dwellings require about 3 hours according to the park ranger. However, the upper dwellings require a reservation for a guided hike, and is not available from May to September due to heat. Also, there are lots and lots of gnats and bees on the trail, so I wouldn't do the hike if you have a fear of them. read more

You have to make a reservation to see the upper cliff dwellings. Every time I've found the time, I've missed out because the available slots were taken. That was the case again recently when I called. Fortunately, I was told about Heritage Days when the upper cliff dwellings would be open without reservations. Happy days. I slept down the highway at the Schoolhouse campground -- well worth the six bucks to sleep under the stars -- so I'd be ready to pounce upon the opportunity the moment the rangers opened the trail. At 9:00am, I jumped ahead of a coterie of seniors -- I have no shame -- and hiked up the rocky trail as fast as I could to give myself a 15-minute opportunity to experience the ruins alone (albeit with a few rangers) and take some photos. The views from these dwellings are spectacular. By the time I was ready to descend the trail, the masses had arrived and were making their way up the trail. Latecomers had to park their cars on the highway because the parking lot and road to the visitor center was already filled. A few folks from Phoenix said they had never been to Tonto National Monument and I was surprised. The drive from the city to Tonto is a fantastic one as it takes you through some scenic small towns and twisty mountain roads. This is the quintessential weekend getaway. C'mon Phoenix folks, it's time. read more

See all

The climb is steep, about a 1/2 mile up. Plan on about an hour up and back. Adequate places to stop History of the site is incredible. The views are phenomenal. Lastly, the staff exceptional. Thank you, Katie & Steve! read more

Second time here. This is a great place to see the Indian ruins. There was a fire in the Superstition Mountains in June. They started a back fire in Tonto to protect the monument. Due to a flood that washed out trail we were unable to hike to the upper dwellings. Tours for upper dwellings start back up in January. Sounds like a good reason to come back! read more

See all

Wish I had read a more specific detail of this park. Read lots but no where did I see some things that are vital. First of all, if you plan to take the guided tour to the upper dwelling, you need to call and make reservations as the numbers are limited. If you do, best to take the Beeline Hgwy 87 to 188 because you need to be there at 9:30. Return on the Apache Trail if it is not to late in the day. The upper tour trail is not easy, as some publications have rated it, though not hard, but not a walk in the park, so to speak. Large rocks to cross, walking along and in a river bed, balancing on rocks, etc. stepping up, stepping down, switch backs, lots of lose rocks. About 3 miles rt. the ranger does not rush, takes about 3.5 to 4 hrs. If you don't want to do that, or can't get on the guided tour, there is a cliff dwelling lower with paved path, which is a bit steep. This is definitely worthwhile if you don't do the higher one. We ran into a black rattler on the way back and I was lucky as I stepped just 2 ft from it before my husband pushed me out of the way. It was curled up and sounding it warning. I told him he missed his chance. Loved the whole experience. read more

See all

Nice exhibit of the early settlers of Arizona. The ruins were interesting to see how people lived almost a thousand years ago. Can you find the hand prints? Be prepared for a good hike from the visitors center to the ruins. It is and elevation change of 250 feet in 0.5 miles. A good exhibit of life in a time past. On the hike up you get a great view of other cave dwellings and Lake Roosevelt. read more

Great place to visit with your kids! Excellent view and knowledgeable park rangers. The trail is stroller friendly and very clean. Trail is marked with information all along the hike. Bathrooms are available along with an open gift shop. Open during covid for visitors. Hike is $10 an adult (kids are free). What a great time! Thanks! read more

See all

On our way back to Phoenix to take our flight home, we decided to go some of the sites since they are on the way. We thought of this place not knowing what historical significance that this monitor took present. We got here around 1:40-200pm and decided to take a self guided brief tour UP 500 feet on a steep hill. I couldn't believe how this native Indians are so resourceful in what would be a pretty hostile and hard living condition here in the desert. I believe the native Indians are called "Salado" meaning salt water inhabitants. This place is up there where you can see the full view of Roosevelt lake/reservoir. I believe the river is salt water river runs through The Valley prior to being dam. The Salado Indians mysteriously disappeared and believer they are descendants or a sect of the Hopi Indians back in early centuries. It also believed that they have moved up on the cliffs and crated their village to escape the hostile Apache tribe. Am not so sure what and how they disappeared but Tonto National monument is one among hundreds in this cliff ridden areas with structures from the past native Indians that live up here. It's pretty interesting. If you ever come and see one of these national monuments and even here in tonto, be sure you are prepared to hike a steep hill and be hydrated especially on hot summer days . It's beautiful up there. The view is breath taking read more

See all

Tonto National Monument is such a wonderful site. The Rangers are well informed and great at sharing information. The front dwellings are small, but worthwhile. The paved pathway is nice and there are several sitting opportunities. Take water! One day I hope to take the tour of the further cliff dwellings that are larger! read more

In the Sonoran desert, near the Apache trail, lie the 600 year old cliff dwellings of the Salado, Pueblo, and Hohokam Indians. Based on the geographic location of the site, as well as differing architectural styles, archeologists and historians are still arguing about who actually lived here. Considering that the dwellings were inhabited for at least a three hundred year period, it is safe to assume that different tribes resided here. Though many walls have fallen away due to erosion, human, and animal traffic, archeologists and researchers alike have been fervently working to stabilize, and restore the dwellings. It is nearly a mile hike up the paved trail to the dwellings, and I was quite surprised that visitors could walk within its walls. When you take a moment to reflect on sheer size and scale of what these dwellings once had, how its inhabitants hoofed miles and miles uphill to habitate here, it is humbling. In contrast to the Montezuma Castle cliff dwellings, you can walk around all you want here, whereas Montezuma you can only admire from far far below. read more

Tonto National Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Roosevelt, Arizona

See all

Very cool to see how they lived in 1400 AD and the amount of work it would've taken. We are so lazy today! read more

Tonto National Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Roosevelt, Arizona

See all

Sensational ancient village situated high on a mountain with a huge view of Rossevelt Lake. A well preseved multi room stone walled dwelling, you can see the marks from fires on the ceiling. Before it was submerged to satisfy modern man's insatiable appetite for water, rows of furrows from ancient cornfields could be seen. read more

Tonto National Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Roosevelt, Arizona

We went during Heritage Days so there were no fees. I believe that it's usually $5 per person and free for kids. We did both the lower and upper hikes. Lower Cliff dwelling hike was a paved 3/4 mile one way trail that climbs 300 feet, a little steep but not too bad. My kids were given a brochure that helped them identify native plants and animals, they enjoyed looking for everything on their brochure. Plenty of signage giving the history of the Salado Indians who'd lived there over 600 years ago. At the top we could look around the rooms and there were rangers to answer questions. Upper Cliff hike was a bit harder, usually you need to make a reservation and go with s ranger guide for this hike, but during Heritage Days it was open to everyone. 1.5 mile one way, dirt trail that climbs 600 feet. My kids are 8-13 and did totally fine, we saw quite a few elderly people as well. Just make sure to wear good shoes and bring water. The view of the lake on thus hike is beautiful and the dwellings are amazing, the Rangers really know their stuff too. Every ranger we talked to was so nice and informative. These jokes are beautiful, informative, educational, and so interesting! We did both hikes (family of 5) and were there 9:45am-1:30pm on a March day and it was plenty warm enough for us, I think it's best to go during the Winter and Spring Months! read more

See all

Some well preserved pueblos, if you're in the Phoenix area or just passing through the mountains make an effort to stop by!

Clean fun and affordable. We really enjoyed it.black asphalt a little tough on our chihuahuas paws. But one definitely worth a stop.

The ruins were cool, but not worth the $10 fee. I'm all for preserving the past but it's advertised as 'explorable' and I got scolded touching. Beautiful piece of history. If you go make sure to ask questions, the rangers made several condescending comments about people who go 'just to see it' (we did a little research beforehand and there is a small museum and several plaques with information on the way up the paved trail so I had none.) read more

Very interesting to see this ancient cave! The kids loved it! Be aware that it's a 20 minute walk/hike up a steep path. It's a bit of a challenge if you're not used to moving much! Well worth it though. The staff was great and answered all of our kids questions! read more

See all

Very much out of the way, but worth the visit. However, not recommend if are out of shape or have difficulty to walk cause lower cluster hike is a real hike. But once you get there, wow. what a view. If I go there again, I will try the upper cluster, full day hike cause I would love to see the fountain.... And this time, I will not wear my sandal; not for a hike. read more

I LOVE visiting the cliff dwellings and checking them out. We chose Tonto over Montezuma because it seemed you can get closer. This was a nice little hike up to the monument, it was really neat on the way up and the people in the museum were very kind and helpful. The price was a little much but things were maintained nicely. read more

The Tonto National Monument is located on the Apache Trail right by Roosevelt Lake, a short distance from Globe, AZ. As always, the National Parks Service does an extraordinary job providing great historical information and exceptional facilities. We arrived at about 11AM and quickly found a spot in the large parking area. All of the park rangers working in the visitor center were friendly and helpful. The visitor center itself is small, but there is a nice little museum area that provides info about the various cultures who lived in the area. Upon leaving the center, right before you begin your ascent up the trail, watch the short film about the dwellings. This area is located outside and the seating area is only partially covered, so make sure you prepare yourself with plenty of sunscreen and water. You will also need these items for the strenuous climb up to the cliff dwellings. I believe the trail to the lower cliff dwellings is only .25 of a mile, but the sun is strong and the heat is intense, even at 11AM. There is no shade or respite from the heat and sun...keep that in mind when making the walk up the dwellings. The actual dwellings are really quite spectacular. When you arrive at the top, take a moment to relax in the shade. Then, close your eyes and just lose yourself in the silence. You can actually feel the spirits of all the people who lived in these dwellings. The view of Roosevelt Lake is awesome and the landscape surrounding the dwellings is filled with beautiful desert plant-life. The lower cliff dwellings are small and there is not really much to see, but what you do actually get to see is well worth it. We really would have loved to take a trip to the upper cliff dwellings, but this ranger led tour is not open during the summer months. It is important to take your time at Tonto National Monument. Do not rush anything. Take your time with the walk up to the dwellings, take your time inside the dwellings when you arrive. Take a moment to realize exactly where you are and it will really be a special experience. read more

The visitor center has recently been remodeled. In fact, my bf and I were the first people to visit since the remodel. The staff were incredibly nice and informative. The upper cliff dwelling in closed until November when a guided tour is offered. You have to make a reservation in advance for that. My bf and I went to the lower cliff dwelling. It's a 15-20 minute uphill, paved hike. Pretty easy, but a little steep. Once you reach the top, a ranger will give you a tour of the rooms. The view from the cliffs is incredibly beautiful. It's also really interesting to think that you're standing in the ruins of an entirely different civilization! We had no problems with critters of any kind the day we went although we did see a coyote walking around (from our car) on the drive over. But no snakes or bees for us! A nice, short visit to this monument is something fun to do if you're in the area! read more

Tonto offers some very scenic ruins and surroundings. I highly recommend making a reservation for the Upper Cliff Dwelling tour. Tours are given Friday through Monday at 10am and they lasts about three hours. The hike is three miles round trip and has about a 600 foot climb in elevation. There could be bees in the springtime, so be aware of that if you are allergic. The guide stops frequently to talk about natural and cultural history. The drive from Phoenix is about two hours and you should take the Beeline Hwy to the 188. It's a beautiful drive and a perfect day trip. To make your reservation call 928-467-2241. read more

What a fantastic group of preserved ruins! Beautiful views, too!