Tonto National Monument Kicks off National Park Week

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ROOSEVELT — Join us at Tonto National Monument for programs and special events as we kick off National Park Week and celebrate Junior Ranger Day and Earth Day.

During National Park Week, no fees will be charged during the weekends of April 15-16 and April 22-23.  In addition, a 15 percent discount is offered by Western National Parks Association on all bookstore items at the Visitor Center on Saturday, April 15 and Saturday, April 22.

• Winging it: April 13 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Join park rangers for a bird count and learn about the unique birds that call Tonto home and those who are “passing through.” Park admission fees apply.

• Junior Ranger Day: April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Hey Kids, it’s Junior Ranger Day! Enjoy festivities for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Pinch Pot Table

10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Family-friendly Ranger-led Hike to LCD

Noon to 12: 45 p.m.: Introduction to Weaving

1 to 1:30 p.m.: Mini Ranger Story time

• Earth Day: April 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join a park ranger for a special program that will begin with a short tour of the museum, followed by a trip to the riparian area, and a hike to the Lower Cliff Dwelling. The presentation will compare how the Salado and the National Park Service use the landscape in sustainable ways, and what lessons we can learn by studying the past. Please bring at least a liter of water, snacks, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen. This hike will be limited to 25 people, so call 928-467-2241 to reserve a spot. Throughout the day, learn about the wildlife of Tonto at our touch table, participate in a nature scavenger hunt, and let your creative juices flow at the recycled arts and crafts station.

Tonto National Monument protects two cliff dwellings built by the Salado people more than 700 years ago. Established as a national monument in 1907 by President Teddy Roosevelt, the cliff dwellings were part of the early archeological preservation movement in America. The Monument is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Dec. 25. Directions and additional information are available on the Monument’s website, www.nps.gov/tont , or you may call 928-467-2241.

No camping is available at Tonto National Monument.

The nearest camping is available at Windy Hill Campground in Tonto National Forest. For more information on camping visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto/.
For more information contact 928-467-2241 or visit https://www.nps.gov/tont.