Tonto Upper Cliff Dwelling, Gila County Travel Guide

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Explore the remarkably preserved Upper Cliff Dwelling at Tonto National Monument, a testament to the ingenuity of the Salado people.

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Tonto Upper Cliff Dwelling

The Tonto Upper Cliff Dwelling, nestled within Tonto National Monument, offers a glimpse into the lives of the Salado people who inhabited this region between 1300 and 1450 CE. This remarkable 40-room dwelling, built into a natural alcove, showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its builders.

A brief summary to Tonto Upper Cliff Dwelling

Roosevelt, Arizona, 85545, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tonto Upper Cliff Dwelling.

Reservations are required for the Upper Cliff Dwelling tour and often fill up months in advance, especially during peak season (November-April).
Bring water and wear closed-toe shoes, as the trail to the Upper Cliff Dwelling is unpaved and can be steep in places.
Check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared for extreme heat, especially during the summer months.
Pets are not allowed on the Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail or in the dwelling itself.
Consider visiting the Lower Cliff Dwelling, which is open year-round and does not require reservations, for a comparable experience.

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Getting There

Driving

Tonto National Monument is located about 110 miles east of Phoenix. From Phoenix, take State Highway 87 north towards Payson, then turn right onto Highway 188 southeast and continue for 39 miles to the monument. Alternatively, take State Highway 60 east towards Globe, then turn left onto Highway 188 northwest for 25 miles. Parking is available near the visitor center. There are no parking fees. Note that the scenic Apache Trail (Highway 88) has unpaved sections and is not recommended for all vehicles.
Public Transport

There is no direct public transportation to Tonto National Monument. The closest option is to take a taxi to Superior and then a bus to Phoenix. From Phoenix, you would then need to rent a car or arrange for a private shuttle to the monument, which is approximately a 2-hour drive. Taxi fare from Roosevelt to Superior is estimated to be $110-$140. Bus fare from Superior to Phoenix is approximately $20-$60. Car rentals vary widely in price; check online for current rates.

Discover more about Tonto Upper Cliff Dwelling

Perched high above the Tonto Basin, the Upper Cliff Dwelling at Tonto National Monument stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Salado people. Constructed around 1300 CE and inhabited until the mid-15th century, this 40-room dwelling offers a unique window into the lives of a community that thrived in this challenging environment.Built within a natural alcove in the cliff face, the Upper Cliff Dwelling provided shelter from the elements and a strategic vantage point. The Salado people were adept builders, using stone, adobe, and wood to create multi-story structures with small doorways to regulate temperature. Inside, you can still see the remnants of daily life, including partially intact roofs, stone and slab door lintels, and even fingerprints in the masonry.The Upper Cliff Dwelling is accessible only by guided tour from November through April, offering a more intimate and educational experience. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the history, culture, and construction techniques of the Salado people, as well as the unique environment they inhabited. Reservations are highly recommended, as tour sizes are limited to protect this fragile backcountry site.While visiting, take note of the unique architectural features, such as the large rooms that may have served as communal spaces and a cistern capable of holding approximately 100 gallons of water. Consider the challenges faced by the Salado people, including drought, resource depletion, and social pressures, which ultimately led to the abandonment of the Tonto Basin.