Tonto National Monument


The Salado Phenomena, 700 years ago, blended ideas of neighboring Native American cultures to emerge a unique and vibrant society. Tonto National Monument showcases two Salado-style cliff dwellings. Colorful pottery, woven cotton cloth, and other artifacts tell a story of people living and using resources from the northern Sonoran Desert from 1250 to 1450 CE.

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.

  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • Archeology
  • Cliff Dwellings
  • Explorers and Expeditions
  • Native American Heritage
  • Animals
  • Geology

Lower Cliff Dwelling

cliff dwelling in the spring with desert plants and wildflowers.

The Lower Cliff Dwelling in Spring

Saguaro Cactus

Hillside with Saguaro Cactus

Hillside with Saguaro Cactus near the Lower Cliff Dwelling

Visitor Center Dwelling

Visitor Center with cliff dwelling and a rainbow in the background.

The Visitor Center sits below the Lower Cliff Dwelling

Upper Cliff Dwelling

Two story rooms of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.

Front view of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.

Upper Cliff Dwelling

The view looking out from the cliff dwelling over Roosevelt Lake.

The view from the back of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.