Frequently Asked Questions

When is the monument open? Every day except Christmas Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Lower Cliff Dwelling trail closes to uphill travel at 4:00 p.m. most of the year. June, July, and August the trail closes at 12 noon.

What are your fees? Our entrance fees are $10 per adult. Children under the age of 16 are admitted free of charge. We also accept the Interagency Annual, Senior, or Access pass.

When is the best time to come? Most people visit the monument in the winter. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, since daytime temperatures are fairly mild. Summers are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures well in excess of 100 degrees.

Can I bring my pet? Leashed pets are allowed on the Lower Cliff Dwelling trail. Please clean up after them, and do not take them into the dwelling itself. Pets are not allowed on the Upper Cliff Dwelling trail.

Do you offer any tours? We offer guided tours to the Upper Cliff Dwelling. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is self-guided.

Will I see any snakes on the trail? It is possible; just give them the right-of-way. Most snake species at Tonto are non-venomous, but they should all be left alone.

Why can't I visit other archeological sites in the monument? There are other sites in the Monument, but they are very fragile and there are no trails to them. Visit our Nearby Attractions page for information on other local sites you can visit, or check our Calendar of Events for a schedule of off-site tours.

What kinds of food were available prehistorically? There are over 100 varieties of wild plants, as well as deer, rabbits, quail, and many other animals to hunt. There were also irrigated fields along the river, where the basin's inhabitants grew corn, beans, squash, cotton, and amaranth.

Where did the dwellings' inhabitants get their water? There is a small spring located 1/2-mile from the cliff dwellings. There is also a cistern in the Upper Cliff Dwelling that could have held up to 100 gallons, so they didn't need to make the 3-mile walk to the Salt River to get water.