Tonto National Monument, Archaeological site in Superstition Mountains, Arizona.
Tonto National Monument protects two Salado cliff dwellings, the Lower Ruin and Upper Ruin, set in shallow cave openings high on the south-facing wall of the Superstition Mountains above a paved parking lot. Each opening is fronted by a short wall of light tan masonry with evenly spaced dark rectangular holes. The interiors are dark and recessed into tan and brown rock.
The Salado occupied the cliff dwellings from the 13th through the early 15th century, farming in the Salt River Valley and supplementing their diet by hunting and gathering native plants. The Tonto National Monument Archeological District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966, and the Lower and Upper Ruins were listed separately in 1989.
The Salado produced flamboyant polychrome pottery and intricately woven textiles, examples of which are displayed in the monument's visitor center museum. The pottery's painted designs and the fine weaving are the crafts most associated with the culture that farmed the Salt River Valley.
The lower dwelling is accessible through guided tours offered regularly, while the upper dwelling requires advance booking and is open at certain times. Bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes for the walk up the trail.
The monument's two cliff dwellings, the Lower and Upper Ruin, were listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, while the wider Archeological District had been listed on October 15, 1966. The Upper Ruin sits higher on the slope and is reached only on ranger-led hikes.
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