Tonto National Monument : Interesting Facts, History & Travel Guide

Nestled in the rugged terrain of Arizona, Tonto National Monument stands as a testament to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region. With its striking cliff dwellings, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty, this national monument offers a captivating glimpse into the history of the Southwest.

From the intriguing facts about its formation to the fascinating stories of the Salado people who inhabited the area, Tonto National Monument is a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be explored.

In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes, and must-see attractions of Tonto National Monument. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!

Interesting facts about Tonto National Monument

1. Tonto National Monument is located in the Superstition Mountains of central Arizona and was established in 1907 to protect the ancient cliff dwellings of the Salado culture.
2. The monument has two main cliff dwellings, Upper Cliff Dwelling and Lower Cliff Dwelling, both of which can be accessed via hiking trails.
3. The Salado people who lived in the cliff dwellings were skilled farmers, hunters, and artists. They built their homes in the cliffs to protect themselves from enemies and the elements.
4. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open to visitors year-round and can be accessed via a short, paved trail. The Upper Cliff Dwelling can only be accessed via a ranger-guided tour, which is offered from November to April.
5. The park is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and javelinas. Visitors are advised to stay on designated trails and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
6. The monument covers over 3,000 acres and includes several hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits on the Salado culture.
7. The monument is also home to several important archaeological sites, including the Roosevelt Platform Mound, which is believed to be one of the largest prehistoric platform mounds in the Southwest.
8. Tonto National Monument is located near the town of Globe, which was once a major center of copper mining in the region. Visitors can explore the town’s mining history at the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park.
9. The monument is named after the Tonto Basin, a region of the Sonoran Desert that includes the Superstition Mountains and the Salt River.
10. Tonto National Monument is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means it has low levels of light pollution and provides excellent opportunities for stargazing.

Information & History of Tonto National Monument

Tonto National Monument is a United States National Monument located in the Superstition Mountains of central Arizona, USA. It was established in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt to preserve the ancient Salado cliff dwellings. The Salado culture was a pre-Columbian cultural group that lived in the region between the 13th and 15th centuries.

The Salado people were skilled farmers, hunters, and artists, and they built their homes in the cliffs to protect themselves from enemies and the elements. The two main cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument are the Upper Cliff Dwelling and the Lower Cliff Dwelling. These cliff dwellings are considered some of the best preserved examples of Salado architecture and culture.

The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open to the public year-round, and visitors can access it via a short, paved trail. The dwelling features several rooms and a central plaza, and visitors can see examples of Salado pottery and other artifacts. The Upper Cliff Dwelling can only be accessed via a ranger-guided tour, which is offered from November to April. The tour includes a steep hike up a trail to the cliff dwelling and offers visitors a chance to see more of the site and learn about the Salado culture.

Tonto National Monument covers over 3,000 acres and includes several hiking trails of varying difficulty, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits on the Salado culture. The park is also home to a variety of desert wildlife, including rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and javelinas.

The monument is named after the Tonto Basin, a region of the Sonoran Desert that includes the Superstition Mountains and the Salt River. The Tonto Basin has a rich history of human habitation, with evidence of occupation dating back thousands of years. In addition to the Salado cliff dwellings, the monument is home to several important archaeological sites, including the Roosevelt Platform Mound, which is believed to be one of the largest prehistoric platform mounds in the Southwest.

Tonto National Monument is an important site for preserving the cultural heritage of the Salado people and for educating visitors about the rich history of the region.

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Travel Guide for Tonto National Monument

If you’re planning a trip to Tonto National Monument, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Location and Directions: Tonto National Monument is located about 70 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona, off of Highway 60. The monument is about 16 miles northeast of the town of Globe. The visitor center is located at the end of a 3-mile access road that turns off Highway 60.
2. Admission and Hours: There is a fee for entry to Tonto National Monument, but it is free with a National Parks Pass. The monument is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
3. Tours: The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open to visitors year-round and can be accessed via a short, paved trail. The Upper Cliff Dwelling can only be accessed via a ranger-guided tour, which is offered from November to April. Reservations are recommended as tours can fill up quickly.
4. Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the monument, ranging from easy to strenuous. The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail is an easy, 0.5-mile hike that takes visitors to the Lower Cliff Dwelling. The Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail is a strenuous, 3-mile hike that takes visitors to the Upper Cliff Dwelling. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear.
5. Camping: There is no camping allowed within Tonto National Monument. However, there are several campgrounds in the surrounding area, including the Tonto National Forest campgrounds.
6. Wildlife: Tonto National Monument is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and javelinas. Visitors are advised to stay on designated trails and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
7. Weather: The weather in the monument can be hot and dry, especially during the summer months. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, so be sure to dress in layers.
8. Accessibility: The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail is wheelchair accessible, but the Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail is not. The visitor center and Lower Cliff Dwelling are both wheelchair accessible.
9. Visitor Center: The visitor center at Tonto National Monument includes exhibits on the Salado culture and the history of the monument. There is also a bookstore with books, maps, and souvenirs available for purchase.
10. Nearby Attractions: There are several other attractions in the surrounding area, including the nearby town of Globe, which has a historic downtown area and several museums. The nearby Tonto National Forest also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing.

FAQ About Tonto National Monument

What are the Salado cliff dwellings?

The Salado cliff dwellings are the remains of homes built by the Salado people, a pre-Columbian cultural group that lived in the region between the 13th and 15th centuries. The dwellings are built into the cliffs to protect themselves from enemies and the elements.

How can I see the cliff dwellings?

The Lower Cliff Dwelling can be accessed via a short, paved trail that is open year-round. The Upper Cliff Dwelling can only be accessed via a ranger-guided tour, which is offered from November to April.

How do I make a reservation for the ranger-guided tour?

Reservations for the ranger-guided tour can be made by calling the monument’s visitor center.

Are there hiking trails in the monument?

Yes, there are several hiking trails in the monument, ranging from easy to strenuous. The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail is an easy, 0.5-mile hike that takes visitors to the Lower Cliff Dwelling. The Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail is a strenuous, 3-mile hike that takes visitors to the Upper Cliff Dwelling.

Can I camp in the monument?

No, camping is not allowed within Tonto National Monument. However, there are several campgrounds in the surrounding area, including the Tonto National Forest campgrounds.

What should I bring with me to the monument?

Visitors should bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, so be sure to dress in layers. Visitors should also wear appropriate footwear and stay on designated trails.

Is the monument wheelchair accessible?

The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail is wheelchair accessible, but the Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail is not. The visitor center and Lower Cliff Dwelling are both wheelchair accessible.

What other attractions are nearby?

There are several other attractions in the surrounding area, including the nearby town of Globe, which has a historic downtown area and several museums. The nearby Tonto National Forest also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing.

Is there a fee to enter the monument?

Yes, there is a fee for entry to Tonto National Monument, but it is free with a National Parks Pass.