The Salado in Tonto Basin

TRIP FULL – WAITING LIST ONLY
During this trip we will explore four major Salado archaeological sites in the Tonto Basin (outside of Globe).  Eric Schreiner from Tonto National Monument will be our guide. He will present short programs at some of the stops to help reveal some of the fascinating details of the Salado culture and archaeology in Tonto Basin. On the first day, February 9th, we will hike up to the Upper Cliff Dwelling. This is a three mile round trip hike with 600 foot elevation gain. The trail is somewhat rocky and there are a few sections with large steps. We will go into some of the rooms of the 700 year old cliff dwelling and see artifacts from the Salado culture. Afterward, we will travel about ten minutes down the road to Schoolhouse Point Platform Mound. This archaeological site is also from the 1300s and is flat 15 minute walk on a dirt road to get to the site. We will explore this sprawling open air site for at least an hour. On Feb 10th, We will go up to the Lower Cliff Dwelling. This is a one mile round trip hike with 350 foot elevation gain on a paved trail. Typically this is a hour and a half round trip. Afterwards we will drive about 20 minutes down the road to Cline Terrace Platform Mound. This a another short 10 minute walk to the largest platform mound by volume in Tonto Basin. We will explore this site for about an hour. By visiting each of the four sites, the story of the Salado from the years 1250 to 1450 will start to come together. The trip is limited to 20 people. To register contact Katherine Cerino