Tonto National Monument Hosts Open House

Tonto National Monument will host an Open House to kick off the 2005-06 Upper Cliff Dwelling tour season. This special event will be held on Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6. Entrance fees are $3.00 per person. Tonto National Monument accepts National Park Passes, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports. Reservations, which are normally required for Upper Cliff Dwelling tours, will not be necessary during the Open House weekend. The trail to the Upper Cliff Dwelling will open at 9:00 a.m. The three mile round-trip climbs 600 feet on a moderately strenuous rocky trail. Part of the trail passes through a wash; this part of the trail is the more strenuous because of many loose rocks and boulders. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. The trip takes 2-3 hours, depending on your physical condition or the number of photos you want to take along the way. The trail to the Upper Cliff Dwelling will close to uphill travel at 2:00 p.m. Pets are not permitted on the trail. The self-guided, paved trail to the Lower Cliff Dwelling is one mile round-trip, climbs 350 feet, and usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The trail closes to uphill travel at 4:00 p.m. Pets are permitted, on a leash, on this trail. The Monuments Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and offers exhibits, an orientation video program, and restrooms. A picnic area with several shaded tables is open until 4:45 p.m. Regularly scheduled tours of the Upper Cliff Dwelling will be offered every Saturday, Sunday and Monday beginning November 7 through April 30 with another weekday added as the season progresses. The tours begin at 10:00 a.m. and last 3 to 4 hours. Reservations are required; tours are limited to 15 people. Tonto National Monument is located four miles east of Roosevelt Dam on State Highway 188. It is 30 miles northwest of Globe and 55 miles southeast of Payson. For additional monument information, or for tour reservations, call (928) 467-2241.