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Fairly small museum, but it has some good artifacts. The trail was closing at noon because of the heat, but you can walk up to the cliff dwellings. It is a steep and unprotected hike, so plan accordingly and definitely bring water. The visitor center does not have any cell service, but they have AC and restrooms.
The NPS Monument consists of 700 year old cliff dwellings, an upper and a lower. Both require a hike but are well worth it. The history of them, available at the visitor center, includes a museum, gift shop, and movie. The staff of knowledgeable interpreters provides visitors with information on historical facts, regional history, animal habitat, and landscape.
A scenic view is the reward at the top of each dwelling. Tonto National Monument is well worth the visit
I did the lower dwelling. Paved, very steep and dog friendly, except the inside the dwelling. Still worth it. Overlooking the Roosevelt lake.
Upper dwelling is guided tour only.
Fee required but accept national Park pass.
The lower dwelling is not easy to see from below. It is an uphill hike on a paved trail from the small visitors center. Not easy but doable and worth it to be able to walk thru and explore a dwelling. There are benches to rest on way up. The upper dwelling is not visible unless you are physically fit and used to hiking uphill for 1.5 miles, for 3 miles total. The scenery and views of the area are beautiful. My suggestion is if you’re not able to hike and want to see dwellings, consider a visit to another Arizona cliff dwelling. I’d love to see the upper dwelling. Good incentive to start hiking.
Absolutely incredible! The staff and volunteers are so friendly and informative. The hike up is no joke with 350ft of gain in 1/2 mile. They have placed information at the perfect resting place to catch your breath. Worth the visit. We actually had the place to ourselves for about 30 minutes.
