Tonto National Monument will join the statewide celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month by hosting an "Open House" on Saturday, March 21st, & Sunday, March 22nd. According to the release, visitors will be able hike to the Upper Cliff Dwelling on their own. The Upper Cliff Dwelling is normally available only on ranger-guided tours and requires an advance reservation. Other activities that will be taking place include various prehistoric technology and traditional Native American craft demonstrations. Volunteers from the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center in north Phoenix will present an assortment of live animals and birds.
The park Visitor Center is open from 8 am to 5 pm and offers exhibits, an orientation video program, bookstore, & restrooms. A picnic area with several shaded tables is open until 4:45 pm. The trail to the Upper Cliff Dwelling will open at 9 am. The trail is a 3-mile round trip, backcountry hike climbs 600 feet along a moderately strenuous, rocky trail and culminates with a number of switchbacks before reaching the Upper Cliff Dwelling. Part of the trail passes through a wash with many loose rocks and boulders. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, a hat, & sunscreen. The trip lasts 2-3 hours, depending on your physical condition or the number of photos you want to take on the way. The trail to the Upper Cliff Dwelling will close to uphill travel at 2 pm. Pets are not permitted on the Upper Cliff Dwelling trail.
The paved trail to the Lower Cliff Dwelling is a one-mile round trip, climbs 350 feet, & usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The trail closes to uphill travel at 4 pm. Pets permitted, on a leash, on this trail.
The normal fee of $3 per person will apply for persons 16 and over. Tonto National Monument accepts Interagency Annual Passes, Interagency Senior Passes, Golden Age Passports, Interagency Access Passes, & Golden Access Passports. For additional information about the Tonto National Monument, call (928) 467-2241. The Tonto National Monument is located four miles east of Roosevelt Dam on State Highway 188.