Tonto National Monument
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Seven hundred years ago, the Salado people took up residence in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona's Gila County. Although this area lies in an arid habitat on the northeastern end of the Sonoran Desert, the Salt River that runs through it has provided a rare yet welcome water source throughout. That's the backbone of the cliff dwellings, and people lived there while farming in the river valley and hunting and gathering native plants to supplement their diet. Tonto National Monument unearths the Salado culture by showcasing the cliff dwellings that the people built. Woven cotton cloths, colorful pottery, and various artifacts tell the story of the people who utilized desert resources to live and thrive. The national monument is a must-visit if you love a good historical story as it'll let you into the lives of the ancestral Salado people who were excellent craftsmen.
Things To Do Near Tonto National Monument
The Tonto National Monument has various sites and activities that'll let you explore the ancestral Salado people's culture. You can keep up with your history at the visitor center's museum or check out the artifacts on display for educational purposes. An RV trip is a classic way of visiting the site, and it also makes it simple to tour nearby locations such as Theodore Roosevelt Lake, which has fishing and hiking grounds.
Hiking Trails
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Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail
The Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail will take you on a tour of the Sonora Desert ecosystem where you'll learn more about the arid land and the people who resided here. You'll also get to view the artifacts, rocks, and plants that the Tonto National Monument protects, essentially seeing the landscape that was present centuries ago. In addition, the land will give you spectacular views of the nearby Theodore Roosevelt Lake and the Mazatzal Mountains. The Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail starts right at the national monument, and the tour requires you to make reservations beforehand.
Location
26260 N. AZ Hwy 188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Length
3 miles round-trip
Intensity
Moderate
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Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail
When you hike through the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail, your inner history buff will come to play. The trail sheds light on the native settlers who made the desert landscape home. Also, the wildflowers present make the land beautiful to traverse. Some things to do here include walking, hiking, bird-watching, and nature viewing. The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail also sits at the Tonto National Monument.
Location
26260 N. AZ Hwy 188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Length
0.7 mile
Intensity
Moderate
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Cactus Patch Trail
Set at the Tonto National Monument, Cactus Patch Trail lets hikers see stunning wildflowers that grow in the area. You can access the trail any day of the year to walk or hike, and your dog can come with you. This trail will also give you an alternative route back down from the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail, allowing you to learn more about the local cacti.
Location
26260 N. AZ Hwy 188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Length
3.7 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Theodore Roosevelt Lake is a picturesque destination with scenic views. It is a popular recreation area where visitors can boat, fish, or camp. The site also has various Arizona Trail trailheads within its surroundings, making it a welcome stop for hikers.
Location
28085 AZ-188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
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Apache Lake
Apache Lake lies along the trail that goes by the same name and sits about four miles north of Tonto National Monument. It's the second-largest of the four reservoirs constructed on the Salt River, lying about five miles downstream from the largest, Theodore Roosevelt Lake. Apache Lake attracts visitors for various recreational purposes, including boating, fishing, and hiking. You can camp at the Apache Lake Marina and Resort after a long and tiring day where you'll find amenities such as an RV park, campgrounds, a bar, and a restaurant.
Location
229.5 Mile Marker, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
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Parker Creek Canyon
Parker Creek Canyon is a place to visit if you love a thrilling escape. It has various waterfall rappels, with the longest one measuring approximately 6 feet. Brave the height and descend a canyon, and you'll have a great time passing through the stunning quartzite walls.
Location
Globe-Young Hwy, Young, AZ 85554
Museums
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Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum
Take a detour to the nearby city of Globe, and explore the Salado Indian Ruins that you'll find at Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum. The museum displays artifacts like pottery, with the excavations estimated to be from seven centuries ago. When you tour the museum, you'll get to stroll through roughly 200 rooms that form the Salado site.
Location
1324 S. Jesse Hayes Road, Globe, AZ 85501
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Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum
The history of Miami, San Carlos, and the Globe mining regions of Arizona comes forth at the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum. Through photographs, artifacts, memorabilia, and exhibits, the museum showcases the social and economic life of the olden days in the mining areas.
Location
150 N. Plaza Circle, Miami, AZ 85539
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Hwy 188 Tackle
Touring the Tonto National Monument's vicinity will likely bring you close to fishing grounds, and Hwy 188 Tackle is ready to gear you up. Pass by the store to acquire the necessary tools that'll make fishing a simple task.
Location
117 Quail Trail, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553
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Turquoise Cowboy Gallery & Gifts
Pop by the Turquoise Cowboy Gallery & Gifts, and purchase a souvenir from your trip. From jewelry to art and special soaps, you won't run out of things to discover here.
Location
Highway 188, Mile Marker 259, Bldg. 215, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553
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Guayo's El Rey
Head to Guayo's El Rey to sample Mexican food from the wide variety of soups, salads, steaks, and taco and tamale plates on the menu.
Location
716 Sullivan St., Miami, AZ 85539
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Copper Bistro
Treat yourself to an American meal at Copper Bistro where you can dine in or take away your food. Some foods available on the menu include sandwiches, burgers, salads, and pasta.
Location
2118 US-60, Globe, AZ 85501
How To Get To Tonto National Monument
Tonto National Monument lies off Arizona State Highway 188 to the southeast. If you're driving from the Phoenix metro area, take the I-10 east for about 1.6 miles. Get on the 87 north, and head toward Payson for about 72.7 miles. Take a right on State Highway 188, which heads southeast, and drive on this road for approximately 35.9 miles to get to your destination in Roosevelt. The Tonto National Monument will be on your right.
Address
26260 N. AZ Hwy 188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Fee: Entry fee (per person, age 16+) $10.0
Entry is free for children 15 years and below, U.S. residents with permanent disabilities, and on-duty military personnel and their families.
While the Salado departed the Tonto Basin between the early and mid-1400s, the cliff dwellings left behind clearly tell a tale of this vibrant and unique society. That's why the Tonto National Monument was developed in 1907 — to preserve and protect the dwellings of the ancestral community. An RV visit to this popular tourist destination will let you camp and tour the area easily.
