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,
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $10 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Entrance - Per Person: $10
- HoursTonto National Monument is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm all year round. The park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The park closes early at 1:45 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. October 3rd
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 9284672241 · tont_information@nps.gov
The cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument are roughly two hours from the Phoenix metro area, located in the Tonto Basin. The Monument is off AZ Highway 188 near Roosevelt Lake. The nearest major towns are Globe (30 miles) and Payson (50 miles). See our Directions page for recommendations on the
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Tonto National Monument — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Tonto National Monument?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Cactus Patch Trail, Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail, Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Tonto National Monument. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
Tonto National Monument is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm all year round. The park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The park closes early at 1:45 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. October 3rd
Nearby sites
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Land Management White Canyon Wilderness
ConfirmedThis site is free — no fee is charged, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Homestead Climbing Area
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
