Over 700 years ago, people of the “Salado” culture built dwellings in the rugged cliffs near present day Roosevelt, AZ. Although they disappeared long ago, these ancestral people left behind their structures and enough artifacts to help archaeologists to piece together a reasonable understanding of their way of life.
Two impressive ruins sites remain protected in Tonto National Monument:
- Lower Cliff Dwelling (not pictured) is open year-round for self-guided tours a short walk from the visitor center.
- Upper Cliff Dwelling (pictured above) is accessible just four days a week November through April and only with advance reservations for a tour led by National Parks Service personnel.
Get the full story: Experience the spirit of the Southwest at Tonto National Monument cliff dwellings
