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.

Lower Cliff Dwelling

The Lower Cliff Dwelling in Spring

cliff dwelling in the spring with desert plants and wildflowers.

Saguaro Cactus

Hillside with Saguaro Cactus near the Lower Cliff Dwelling

Hillside with Saguaro Cactus

Visitor Center Dwelling

The Visitor Center sits below the Lower Cliff Dwelling

Visitor Center with cliff dwelling and a rainbow in the background.

Upper Cliff Dwelling

Front view of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.

Two story rooms of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.

Upper Cliff Dwelling

The view from the back of the Upper Cliff Dwelling.

The view looking out from the cliff dwelling over Roosevelt Lake.