When is the monument open?  Every day except Christmas, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The Lower Cliff Dwelling trail closes to uphill traffic at 4:00 p.m.

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 - our record high is 118 degrees. If you plan to visit in the summer, bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

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.

Are there tours available?  We offer tours to the Upper Cliff Dwelling.  Click on the link for more information.  The Lower Cliff Dwelling is self-guided.

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 did these people eat?  There are over 100 varieties of wild plants, as well as deer, rabbits, quail, and many other animals to hunt.  Prehistorically, there were also fields along the river, where the people grew corn, beans, squash, cotton, and amaranth.

Where did they get their water?  There is a small spring 1/2-mile from the cliffdwellings.  There is also a cistern in the Upper Cliff Dwelling that might have held up to 100 gallons, so they did not have to walk to the river to get water.

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.