Ancient ruins aren’t difficult to find here in Arizona, but they aren’t always extremely well-preserved. Tonto National Monument in Roosevelt is somewhat of a rarity, remaining surprisingly intact despite being abandoned 700 years ago. Consisting of 40 rooms, this archaeological site is truly incredible to visit.
Nestled in the Superstition Mountains, Tonto National Monument is an ancient archaeological site featuring two separate cliff dwellings.
TripAdvisor/WIBYRIC Extremely well-preserved, these dwellings tell stories of the Salado people who occupied the region as early as the 13th century.
The Upper Cliff Dwelling consists of 40 rooms and is tucked away inside a cave overlooking Tonto Basin.
AllTrails/AllTrails User Theories as to why this particular location was chosen include shelter from the elements and escaping crowded conditions on the valley floor.
To access the ruins, you’ll embark on a guided hike that totals about three miles round-trip.
AllTrails/Dianne Slotten It gains about 600 feet of elevation, but the breathtaking views of Roosevelt Lake are undoubtedly worth the effort.
If you visit during the spring, expect to see all sorts of colorful wildflowers in full-bloom.
AllTrails/Dianne Slotten The tour guide stops several times along the way to offer educational tidbits about the dwelling, various cacti that grow in the area, and more fascinating topics.
The vastness of the dwelling allowed plenty of room for living quarters and an open work area with a large cistern.
Wikimedia Commons/JB Wright Photo Partially intact roofs, two-story rooms, and balconies are just a few examples that speak to the advanced intelligence of the occupants.
Skilled craftspeople, the Salado people constructed fine tools, pottery, and textiles.
AllTrails/Dennis Burns You’ll see many artifacts within the dwelling, while others have been excavated and placed in the visitor center.
Several rooms are especially noteworthy, including the two largest in the dwelling.
TripAdvisor/Cold-n-MN One-story and spanning the entire length of the habitation, these rooms could have been used for large gatherings or ceremonies – although their exact purpose remains unknown.
Tours are held every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 10 a.m. from November through April.
TripAdvisor/raydtwo Reservations are required and open in October, so mark your calendars as spots book up rather quickly.
Visit the Tonto National Monument NPS page to learn more. Click here for the Facebook page, and here to view the hike on AllTrails.
TripAdvisor/WIBYRIC
Extremely well-preserved, these dwellings tell stories of the Salado people who occupied the region as early as the 13th century.
AllTrails/AllTrails User
Theories as to why this particular location was chosen include shelter from the elements and escaping crowded conditions on the valley floor.
AllTrails/Dianne Slotten
It gains about 600 feet of elevation, but the breathtaking views of Roosevelt Lake are undoubtedly worth the effort.
The tour guide stops several times along the way to offer educational tidbits about the dwelling, various cacti that grow in the area, and more fascinating topics.
Wikimedia Commons/JB Wright Photo
Partially intact roofs, two-story rooms, and balconies are just a few examples that speak to the advanced intelligence of the occupants.
AllTrails/Dennis Burns
You’ll see many artifacts within the dwelling, while others have been excavated and placed in the visitor center.
TripAdvisor/Cold-n-MN
One-story and spanning the entire length of the habitation, these rooms could have been used for large gatherings or ceremonies – although their exact purpose remains unknown.
TripAdvisor/raydtwo
Reservations are required and open in October, so mark your calendars as spots book up rather quickly.
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Address: Tonto Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail, Arizona 85545, USA
