Tonto National Monument
Roosevelt, AZ
Salado cliff dwellings in shallow caves above Theodore Roosevelt Lake. A paved but steep 1.6 km return trail climbs to the Lower Cliff Dwelling; the Upper Cliff Dwelling needs a ranger-guided tour.
Tonto National Monument lies in Arizona above the Tonto Basin and Theodore Roosevelt Lake, about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) from State Route 188, the Apache Trail. The Salado built two cliff dwellings in natural caves around AD 1300. They left their villages in the early 15th century for unknown reasons. President Theodore Roosevelt declared the site a national monument in December 1907.
The Lower Ruin has two stories and originally 19 rooms. A paved, self-guided trail of about half a mile (0.8 km) climbs roughly 350 feet (about 107 m) from the visitor center; the round trip takes about an hour. The larger Upper Ruin has 40 rooms and can only be reached with a ranger. The tour is about 3 miles (roughly 5 km) round trip, takes three to four hours, must be reserved, and according to the NPS runs on Saturdays and Sundays from November to April.
Trails can close for heat, lightning, bees or flooding, and the start times for the Lower Ruin end at midday or in the afternoon depending on the season. Check times and tour dates beforehand. A Forest Service campground lies across the road.
- Nearest town
- Roosevelt, AZ
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 33.6450, -111.1130
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February and October. Hot in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Windy Hill CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Tonto National MonumentTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Burnt Corral CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Tonto National MonumentTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Schoolhouse CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Tonto National MonumentTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Spring Creek Inn & RV ResortMotorhome stopover7 mi from Tonto National MonumentMotorhomes
- Cholla CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Tonto National Monument · 206 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Tortilla Recreation SiteCampsite18 mi from Tonto National Monument · 77 pitchesCaravans
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Tonto National Monument?
Tonto National Monument is in Roosevelt, AZ, at GPS 33.6450, -111.1130. It is about 10 mi from Apache Lake.
Can you camp near Tonto National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Windy Hill Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Tonto National Monument?
Tonto National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Superstition Mountains, the Apache Trail and Tonto Basin and Dust, lakes and saguaros: by camper along the Apache Trail through the Superstition Mountains to Roosevelt Lake.
What is there to see near Tonto National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Theodore Roosevelt Dam (3 mi), Canyon Lake (19 mi), Lost Dutchman State Park (25 mi) and Boyce Thompson Arboretum (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Tonto National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)