News Release

Tonto National Monument to Increase Access to Lower Cliff Dwelling

Date: November 10, 2020
Contact: Eric Schreiner, 928-467-2241

Roosevelt, AZ – With increased precipitation, lower temperatures, decreased fire risk, and after extensive consultation with health and safety experts, Tonto National Monument will increase access to the Lower Cliff Dwelling and trail starting November 11, 2020. The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail will now be open to uphill travel from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, except for December 25^th or when staff determine conditions are unsafe.

Beginning November 11, 2020, Tonto National Monument will increase access to:  

• Lower Cliff Dwelling and Trail

The following facilities remain closed:

• Visitor Center restrooms
• Upper Cliff Dwelling and trail
• Cactus Patch Trail

The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Considering the continuing pandemic and increases in confirmed cases in Arizona, Tonto National Monument will be implementing guidelines for the health and safety of staff and visitors.

The following guidelines are in place for the Lower Cliff Dwelling and Trail:

• Limited to 10 people every 20 minutes
• Face coverings, which cover nose and mouth, are encouraged when social distancing is not possible
• Hand sanitizer station available at Visitor Center entrance

We ask the public to be our partner in adopting social distancing practices when visiting parks. To maintain proper distancing please follow posted signs and instructions.The NPS encourages visitors to follow CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and recreate responsibly.A safe and enjoyable park experience begins at home. The NPS encourages visitors to plan their visit by checking the park’s website and social media for current conditions and travel tips. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We ask the public to be our partner in recreating responsibly, by following CDC and state and local guidance, social distancing, and wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained.Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website https://www.nps.gov/tont] and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

For more information contact:
[phone] and e-mail us or visit:
https://www.nps.gov/tont
https://www.facebook.com/TontoNPS
https://www.instagram.com/TontoNPS
https://twitter.com/tonto_nps
 

www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.