Tonto is yet one more of the neat cliff dwellings we have visited en route we traveled up steep hills, tunnels and red rock cliffs. This one over looks a large impoundment, Roosevelt Lake, so the view is quite different that what the builders of this dwelling would have seen. This was built by the Salado Culture about 1200-1300. There is a small spring at the base of the hill that they used and still runs today. The lower cliff dwelling is small and located up a one mlle paved switchback trail. Once there you have access to a ladder that takes you to both sides of the home complex. These people were expert spinners and weavers. They estimate about 40 people lived here.
This feather was left by a modern tribe that believes they trace ancestors to this place. The ranger said the leave prayer icons like this feather when they visit.
