Tonto National Monument

As it rises over the Sierra Ancha Mountains, the sun begins to illuminate several caves near the historic Apache Trail. Between these great gaps in stone lie the relics of a once vibrant Native American culture. Here at Tonto National Monument visitors are propelled back over 700 years and invited to experience life as part of an ancient Salado society.

Guests at the monument can enjoy stunning views of Lake Roosevelt, named for Theodore Roosevelt, who in 1907 created Tonto National Monument. Inside the prehistoric cave dwellings, visitors can discover the fingerprints of those that shaped this magnificent architecture long before modern America. The bulk of the dwelling still stands today supported by the wood used by the original builders; this is a testament to the precision and skill of these ancient architects. Pottery shards and stone tools can be spotted throughout the caves which are estimated to have been occupied by 60 to 100 people.

Park rangers will lead interpretive talks about the local environment including a plethora of wildlife and utilitarian plants. Be sure to visit the monument this spring to witness some of the most magnificent wildflowers anywhere in the Southwest United States. These wildflowers add vibrant color to a landscape already rich with cacti including the prickly pear, cholla, and the towering saguaro. Many of these useful plants helped to sustain the livelihood of the prehistoric Salado people. As part of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, the monument is also the chosen habitat of many javelina, coyotes, and rare gila monsters.

For those that prefer to escape the desert sun or monsoon rains, there is a museum within the visitor center providing exhibits of polychrome pottery and ancient clothing woven from yucca, agave, and cotton. Visitors may come across a vivid rattlesnake display as well as prehistoric hunting tools and traps. In addition, a movie portraying significant Salado themes plays in both the museum and on the observation deck.

Although visitors exploring the dwellings and museum will become more familiar with the Salado people, mysteries remain. Not much is known about the Salado, and there are no written records besides sporadic petroglyphs dotting the Salt River. No one is certain why the Salado left only 150 years after assembling their lives inside these caves.

Friends and families alike can climb the self guided trail to the lower cliff dwelling or reserve a spot on one of the ranger guided upper cliff dwelling tours. Other exciting events throughout the spring season include full moon hikes, Heritage Days, photography tours, and Junior Ranger Day. Please visit our 2010 event schedule online for dates and times of these programs.

The visitor center is open every day of the year from 8am to 5pm except on December 25th. The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail welcomes pets and closes to uphill travel at 4pm. Each adult admission is only $3, unless you have an America the Beautiful Parks Pass. Children under 16 are always free. Campgrounds are available at nearby Tonto National Forest. Be sure to make a reservation for the upper cliff dwelling tours which run three to four times per week November through April.

Written By Joshua Sweet, Student Conservation Association Intern, Tonto National Monument