*For the upcoming tour season (2024-2025), tours will only be offered on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tours are led by park staff to the Upper Cliff Dwelling once a day Saturdays and Sundays, November-April and reservations are required.Reservations can be made starting October 1st for the upcoming tour season. Tours that fall on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, News Years Eve, or New Years Day may not occur due to park closures. Rain and snow do not automatically cancel tours.
This tour brings visitors through the Sonoran Desert with sights of common desert plants and lake views along the trail. It ends in the Upper Cliff Dwelling where park staff will walk visitors through portions of the dwelling and talk about the life of the people who lived there from 1300-1450 CE (common era). Learn more about the Upper Cliff Dwelling.
For those interested in a shorter hike to a cliff dwelling, the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail is a great alternative and does not require reservations. Please check for the most up-to-date hours before visiting to hike this trail.
Volunteer and visitor looking at architecture in Upper Cliff Dwelling
NPS / M. Mora
Tour Details
These tours are designed for those who hike on a regular basis. Visitors must arrive and check-in at the visitor center by 9:45 am. Tours are 3-4 hours long and last 10 am-2 pm. Space is limited and no show spots are subject to be filled.
Be aware that tours may be cancelled or modified due to excessive heat, lightning, bee activity, fire activity, flooding, or other safety concerns. If it is just raining or snowing tours will occur as scheduled, unless there is a safety concern (see above). It is strongly recommended to check the weather and for road closures before visiting.
Trail Information:
Distance: 3 miles (5 kilometers) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet (200 meters)
Surface Type: Unpaved, areas with loose and slippery rocks
Large steps onto rocks (1.5-2 feet)
Section of switchbacks and section of stairs
Sun Exposure: Full-partial, limited shade
Difficulty: Moderate-difficult
Heat in March-April and individual capabilities contribute towards difficulty
Cost: $10 per person 16 years of age and older or America the Beautiful Pass
What to Bring:
Water: 1-2 liters of water per person (required)
Food: Snacks or a light lunch
Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Layers: Prepare according to weather
Optional: Hiking sticks or trekking poles
Bee allergies: Bring emergency medication
Things to Know:
Age Recommendation: This tour is not recommended for children under 8.
No water or restrooms along trail.
No pets are allowed on the Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail or in the dwelling.
Stairs are throughout the dwelling and the cliff dwelling walls should not be used as support when stepping up. If you need support stepping up stairs, please bring trekking poles, hiking sticks, or use a hand or shoulder of someone you are with.
This is a cultural site. Within the cliff dwelling touching surfaces, leaning on walls, and entering closed areas is not permitted. Do your part to help preserve and protect the cliff dwelling so that future generations can enjoy visiting and learning at this site.
Leave everything where you find it. Please leave all plants, flowers, rocks, and artifacts in place. Removal of anything is not permitted. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
Delicate rocks and sensitive plants exist throughout this area. Please stay on the main trail and respect all posted signs.
How to Make a Reservation
Reservations are required for this hike and can be made beginning October 1st. It is recommended to plan ahead and book 2-3 months in advance. For November tour dates it is recommended to book in October. All tours are booked on a first come, first serve basis. Each group can book no more than 6 people and no pets are allowed.
Before making a reservation please read the trail conditions listed above and consider if everyone in your group is willing and able to do the hike. The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail is a great alternative to those interested in a shorter hike to visit a cliff dwelling.
When: Anytime after October 1st for November-April tours
Recommended: 2-3 months before tour date. Tours fill up quickly!
How: Call (928) 467-2241 between 8 am-5 pm (MST)
Have ready:
Date(s) you are interested in
Number of people in group (1-6)
Groups can have no more than 6 people for a reservation
This tour is not designed for large groups. Larger groups should consider other local hikes or hiking the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail.
Phone number
Email address
Confirmation Email: Visitors will receive a confirmation email shortly after they book a tour (1-7 days). Please share this information with everyone in your group so that everyone is prepared.
Cancellations: If plans change for any reason please call us at (928) 467-2241 to let us know you will not be coming as soon as possible. This allows others who are wanting to book a tour the space to do so. All cancellations are final and rebooking will be subject to availability.
