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 Well-preserved cliff dwellings were occupied by the Salado culture during the 13th, 14th, and early 15th centuries. The people farmed in the Salt River Valley and supplemented their diet by hunting and gathering native wildlife and plants. The Salado were fine craftsmen, producing some of the most exquisite polychrome pottery and intricately woven textiles to be found in the Southwest. Many of these objects are on display in the Visitor Center museum.
Visitors can hike the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail. A paved trail to the Lower Cliff Dwelling is self-guided (one mile round trip). An orientation video program and exhibits are offered at the visitors center.
A picnic area is located .5 mile below visitor center.
Guided tours to Upper Cliff Dwelling are offered November through the end of April. The round trip is three miles long and
can take three to four hours. Reservations are required.
Fees:
Individual - $3 per adult. Good for 7 days; children under 16 are free.
Getting There:
From Phoenix: Take State Highway 60 (Superstition Freeway) east to Globe/Miami (75 miles); turn left (northwest) on State Highway 188; drive 30 miles to Tonto National Monument entrance.
From Scottsdale: Take State Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) north to State Highway 188 (80 miles); turn right (southeast) on 188 and drive 35 miles to Roosevelt Dam; then drive four miles east on 188 to Tonto National Monument.
From Tucson: Take State Highway 77 north to Globe (100 miles); at intersection of 77 and State Highway 60, follow 60 through Globe to State Highway 188; turn right (northwest) on 188 and drive 30 miles to Tonto National Monument.
From Flagstaff: Take Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road) to State Highway 87 (55 miles); turn right (south) on 87 and drive 72 miles to State Highway 188 (17 miles south of Payson); turn left on 188 (southeast) and drive 35 miles to Roosevelt Dam; then drive four miles east on 188 to Tonto National Monument.
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