Life in Tonto Basin Wayside

Wayside

NPS Photo/ B Smith

Life in Tonto Basin

The cliff dwellings are the most visible remnants of the Salado culture today, however in the 1300s people lived in several types of structures throughout the Tonto Basin. Prehistoric people moved into the area along established trade routes; bringing with them diverse ideas, skills, art and architectural styles.

Similar to today, daily tasks were performed as a community. Together the Salado raised families, gathered resources, and created or traded items that included colorful textiles and pottery.

Think of a community you are a part of, how are you connected?

(Image of illustrated Salado woman with gathering basket. View of Tonto Basin and Salt River in the background. Illustrated by Robert Ciaccio/2018)

Salado Architecture

The Salado used diverse architectural techniques to build compound and pueblo structures, platform mounds, field houses, and cliff dwellings to establish a large community near the Salt River.

(Image of Platform Mound, Field House, and Compound Structured Replica.)