Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Roosevelt, Arizona
Tel:
(928) 467-2241
The dry, rocky Sonoran desert is home to Tonto National Monument and the amazing prehistoric Salado cliff dwellings it preserves. Saguaro cacti fill the area, and, despite the region's aridity, a surprisingly wide variety of trees, wild flowers, and animal life thrives.
Stop by the visitor center for an in-depth look at the lifestyle and art of the Salado culture. The park also has several trails for exploration and various educational opportunities.
From Tonto National Monument - Arizona:
Well-preserved cliff dwellings were occupied by the Salado culture during the 13th, 14th, and early 15th centuries. The people farmed in the Salt River Valley and supplemented their diet by hunting and gathering native wildlife and plants. The Salado were fine craftsmen, producing some of the most exquisite polychrome pottery and intricately woven textiles to be found in the Southwest. Many of these objects are on display in the Visitor Center museum.