Tonto National Monument
Located within the northern range of the Sonoran Desert lie two cliff dwellings that were occupied from 1300-1450 CE (common era).
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Tonto National Monument
Located within the northern range of the Sonoran Desert lie two cliff dwellings that were occupied from 1300-1450 CE (common era). They represent a vibrant culture consisting of local and immigrant groups that lived in the Tonto Basin. Together they formed a new ideology, which archeologists refer to as Salado. Today, descendants of the cliff dwellers continue to call Arizona home.
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Driving times from Tonto National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Per Person
$10.00Tonto National Monument charges a fee to all visitors hiking to the Lower or Upper Cliff Dwelling. Tour reservations are required to visit the Upper Cliff Dwelling. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open September through May 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and June through August 8:00 am to noon. Credit and Debit only
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
FreeEducation groups may be granted an educational fee waiver. All requests and documentation must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the school's planned visit.
Hours
Tonto National Monument
- Mon
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Tue
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Wed
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thu
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Fri
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sat
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sun
- 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Activities
Getting there
Weather during the summer can be extremely hot. It is typically 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than Phoenix, AZ. Winter weather may create hazardous conditions on the roads to Tonto National Monument. Severe thunderstorms may lead to a closure of the hiking trails.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Tonto National Monument?
- Entrance to Tonto National Monument starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Tonto National Monument?
- Popular activities include Biking, Bookstore and Park Store, Food, Front-Country Hiking, Guided Tours, Hiking.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Tonto National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (1 h 44 min), Montezuma Castle National Monument (2 h 24 min), Tuzigoot National Monument (2 h 34 min), Saguaro National Park (2 h 54 min), Fort Bowie National Historic Site (3 h 10 min), Tumacácori National Historical Park (3 h 17 min).