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in the Salt River Valley and supplemented their diet by hunting and gathering native wildlife and plants. The Salado were fine craftsmen, producing some of the most exquisite polychrome pottery and intricately woven textiles to be found in the Southwest. Many of these objects are
on display in the Visitor Center museum. The monument is located in the Upper Sonoran ecosystem, known primarily for its characteristic saguaro cactus. Other common plants include: cholla, prickly pear, hedgehog, and barrel cactus (blooming April through June); yucca, sotol,
and agave; creosote bush and ocotillo; palo verde and mesquite trees; an amazing variety of colorful wild flowers (February through March); and a lush riparian area which supports large Arizona black walnut, sycamore, and hackberry trees. CONTACTS
Email - TONT_Superintendent@nps.gov Fax- 928-467-2225 Write to
HC02 Box 4602
Roosevelt, AZ 85545 Phone
Visitor Information - (928) 467-2241
TRAVEL BASICS
Operating Hours, Seasons
Daily,
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. except Christmas day. Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail closes to uphill travel at 4:00 p.m. Getting There
CAR - Driving time from Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson: 2.5 to 3 hours; from Flagstaff: 3 to 3.5 hours. From Phoenix, take State Highway
60 (Superstition Freeway) east to Globe/Miami (75 miles); turn left (northwest) on State Highway 88/188; drive 30 miles to Tonto National Monument entrance. From Scottsdale, take State Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) north to State Highway 188 (80 miles); turn right (southeast)
on 188 and drive 35 miles to State Highway 88/188 (at Roosevelt Dam); then drive four miles east on 88/188 to Tonto National Monument. From Tucson, take State Highway 77 north to Globe (100 miles); at intersection of 77 and State Highway 60, follow 60 through Globe to State
Highway 88/188; turn right (northwest) on 88/188 and drive 30 miles to Tonto National Monument. From Flagstaff, take Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road) to State Highway 87 (55 miles); turn right (south) on 87 and drive 72 miles to State Highway 188 (17 miles south of Payson);
turn left on 188 (southeast) and drive 35 miles to State Highway 88/188 (at Roosevelt Dam); then drive four miles east on 88/188 to Tonto National Monument. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Commercial tours may be available; check Yellow Pages in Arizona phone books under 'TOURS.' Weather
& Climate
Mild winters: lows in the 30s, highs in the 60s; hot summers, lows in the 70s, highs in the 110s. Rainy seasons January/ February and July through September. Average annual precipitation: 15 inches. Average days of sunshine: over 300. Average humidity during
dry seasons: 5-15%. Average humidity during rainy seasons: 30-50% (except when actually raining!) The sun can be intense in summer months. Water, hats, and sunscreen are recommended. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are recommended for the Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail. Sneakers or
other good walking shoes are recommended for the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail. Getting Around
Lower level visitor center (museum exhibits, sales area, ranger assistance, rest rooms, orientation program on video by request). Picnic area located .5 mile below visitor
center (.5 mile inside park entrance); seven tables, covered with shade ramadas; one handicapped accessible. FEES/PERMITS
Entrance Fee
INDIVIDUAL
$3.00 for One Time
FACILITIES
Visitor Centers
TONTO
VISITOR CENTER
Open All Year 8:00 AM - 5:00PM
Closures - Christmas Day
Special Programs - 'Open House' annually on one weekend in March (Arizona Archeology Awareness Month) and first weekend in November.
Exhibits - .Visitor center with exhibits
and 18-minute video orientation program; hands-on display; restrooms. Parking lot has limited turning radius; vehicles longer than 30 feet and towing another vehicle experience difficulty negotiating the turn. Large vehicle parking is available .5 mile below visitor center at picnic
area.
Available Facilities - .Sales outlet for interpretive literature; vending machines for snacks and soft drinks. Picnic area located .5 mile below visitor center (.5 mile inside park entrance); seven tables, covered with shade ramadas; one is handicapped accessible. Two fully accessible restrooms.
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