Why do #cacti have #spines? 🌵 Spines on cacti are modified leaves that result in less water loss. The spines on #saguaros offer protection from animals and provide shade for the plant. #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #NationalParkService #SaguaroSaturday

On this day in 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt established Tonto National Monument. Tonto was one of many dwelling sites preserved after the American Antiquities act was passed in 1906. #NationalParkService #FindYourPark #OTD

Merry Christmas from all of us at Tonto National Monument! For those who like to plan ahead, our park will be closed on December 25, 2022 - Christmas day. Have a safe holiday season! #NationalParkService #FindYourPark

How might people have adjusted to the winter 700 years ago? The people here likely wore thicker clothing, dug into stored dried goods and built more fires to keep warm. How does your life change with the winter cold? NPS Photo/ Mark #FindYourPark #WinterSolstice

Announcement! It's time to apply for the LHIP 2023 Internship Program! We look forward to you joining our team! #LHIP FindYorPark #TontoNationalMonument #NPS #EncuentraTuParque #LatinoHeritageInternshipProgram

When do #saguaros grow arms? These slow growing, long lived #cacti may start growing arms when they are between 50 and 100 years old. How many arms have you seen on a saguaro? #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #NationalParkService

Merry Christmas from all of us at Tonto National Monument! The park is closed and will reopen tomorrow. Have a safe holiday! #NationalParkService #FindYourPark

Spindle Whorls were used to spin various plant matter into yarn, cord or thread to create textiles. These spindle whorls were found at the Lower Cliff Dwelling, which means that the people who lived here wove textiles. #Archeology #NationalParkService

Have you ever seen a crested #saguaro? It is not always known what causes cresting. Frost damage or a genetic mutation are two possibilities. Cresting does not harm the saguaro, which will still produce flowers & fruit. #FindYourPark #NationalParkService #SaguaroSaturday

Happy New Year! The variety of landscapes the earth holds is truly remarkable. What new landscapes would you like to explore in this new year? #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #NationalParkService #DepartmentOfTheInterior #NewYear #NewLandscapes #NewAdventures

This shaft straightener was found in the Upper Cliff Dwelling. A wooden arrow shaft could be straightened by sliding along the groove with slight pressure after the stone is heated by fire. #Archeology #NationalParkService

Night Sky Program The tour starts at 7:00 pm. You are required to arrive and check in no later than 6:45 pm. Call to make reservations: 928-467-2241 For more information: [email protected]

Heritage Days at Tonto National Monument March 4 and 5 Free to Public The Lower Cliff Dwelling will be open for self-guided hikes from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Upper Cliff Dwelling is up to, not inside, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. nps.gov/tont/learn/new…

In 1880, a local teacher from Tonto Basin named Angeline Mitchell brought her six students to the cliff dwellings here. Her diary entry on this experience is the earliest written description of the dwellings. To read the full entry, visit nps.gov/tont/learn/his…

In recognition of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month, Tonto National Monument is Celebrating with "Heritage Days". When: March 4 and 5 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fee: This event is free and open to the public

Want to be part of a fun and energetic Interpretation Team? Tonto National Monument is currently recruiting for multiple 32-hour-a-week position volunteers. Visit ow.ly/oQup50P0UYW to put in your application today! #VolunteerOpportunity #TontoNationalMonument

The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail will be closed from Saturday, July 15th at 9 am through closing Sunday, July 16th due to an excessive heat warning. Stay inside. Stay hydrated. ☀️🥵☀️

The excessive heat warning has been extended through Friday, July 21st. The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail will remain closed until the warning is lifted. Stay inside. Stay hydrated. ☀️🥵☀️

The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail will be closed from Tuesday, July 25th at 10 am through closing Thursday, July 27th due to an excessive heat warning. Stay inside. Stay hydrated. ☀️🫠🌵

The excessive heat warning has been extended through Friday, July 28th. As such, the Lower Cliff Dwelling will remain closed until the warning is lifted. Stay safe out there! 🌞🌵