| when | Trip Report : March 18, 2017 |
| Trip Report : January 1, 2011 | |
| Trip Report : February 19, 2000 | |
| where | Tonto National Monument |
| the hike |
This will be a guided tour to the Upper Cliff Dwellings of Tonto National
Monument, followed by a self-guided tour of the Lower Cliff Dwellings.
The first half of Upper Ruins trail goes through a wash as it steadily
gains elevation. If there has been recent rainfall, we may do a little
boulder hopping across the wash. The second half of the trail is steeper
with a number of switchbacks and several sets of steps cut into the rock.
Our guide will keep a moderate pace, stopping frequently to talk about the
natural and cultural history of the area, with an emphasis on the Salado
Indians who occupied this area during the 13th, 14th, and early 15th
centuries.
After the guided hike, we will then be free to explore the Lower Cliff Dwellings on our own. Required: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: • Lunch or snacks • Camera |
| distance | Upper Ruins: 3 miles round trip; Lower Ruins: 1 mile round trip. |
| time | 4-5 hours for both the Upper and Lower Ruins. |
| EC | +-950' elevation change for both the Upper and Lower Ruins. |
| elevations | 2,800 feet at the Visitor Center to 3,400 feet at the Upper Ruins. |
| on trail | 100% |
| rating | "C" Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? | no |
| cost | No entrance fee on March 18, 2017. All passengers are expected to share gas expenses with their driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member. |
| weather | Roosevelt |
| leader | You must email the leader to confirm. Please provide your cell phone number when you sign up in case we need to contact you on the day of the hike. Limit of 15 hikers. |
| meet | 6:30 AM at Home Depot in Mesa on the southeast corner of Power and US 60. |
| drive | Take U.S. 60 east through Florence Junction, Superior, and Miami and continue on to the State Route 188 turnoff before Globe. Take 188 for almost 30 miles to the Monument. |
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| updated March 23, 2017 | © Copyright 2017, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |