The half-mile trail to the Lower Cliff Dwelling climbs 350 vertical feet through the Sonoran Desert. Brutal heat in summer, hard frosts in winter, strong shriveling winds in spring, and always erratic rainfall combine to make the desert a sometimes harsh environment. As you “tour” the trail and dwelling, imagine breathing the fragrant dry air of the desert and listening to the silence. Think about the lives of the people who lived here so many years ago.

Start the tour by learning about who the Salado were. To begin the tour, select a number from the map or make a selection from the choices below.