Sam, of course, was excited to be going. He was very impatient when we stopped for gas.
Come on, Dad, we're burning daylight!
Tonto National Monument is the home of two cliff dwellings that were occupied during the 13th, 14th and early 15th century. The Lower Cliff dwelling is open to visitors daily, and the upper cliff dwelling is only available through a guided hike. Dogs are allowed on the trail to the Lower, but not in the dwelling itself. If you would like to read more about it, click here.
Lower Cliff Dwelling
Here are Sam and I posing next to a Saguaro cactus. The trail to the Lower is nice and smooth, but ascends 300 feet over a 1/2 mile.
The view from the dwelling is spectacular! That is Roosevelt Lake in the distance.
Inside of the dwelling you can see the different rooms that make up the Lower Cliff Dwelling.
We paused for a quick photo of Sam and Aaron...
...and soon we were on our way back down the hill.
We took a quick detour down the Cactus Patch Trail to look at the trail head for the Upper Cliff Dwelling. The trail itself is locked, but you can walk down it and see the Riparian area.
See how green it is? It is hard to imagine that this is in the middle of a desert. In another couple of weeks, all of this will be covered with new leaves and flowers.
Sam had a wonderful day!
Looks like a nice day trip. The Apache Trail area has been beautiful! Your shots show the desert in spring very nicely... and Sam seems happy with the adventure!
ReplyDeleteLooks very beautiful and warm there :) I don't have a lot of patience at the gas station either. Hello? Let's get this party started!
ReplyDeleteWow, Sam! The area where you live is so different from mine. It's cool to know different places! Tkx for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful adventure! The lake in the distance looks huge - I just love seeing where other doggehs live! And you look too cool on the trail near those ginormous cacti. Do experts know if any cliff dwellers were related in some way to those who occupied Chaco Canyon? (And to mom: come on out! We'd love to go hiking with you and Sam!)
ReplyDeletexo Sammie
WOW ! What a cool place ! You will never see this type of place at our side. How I wish I was there too ! What a fun road trip ! You look happy about it too ;)
ReplyDeleteWoof! Woof! Spectacular view. For sure to check out the site. Thanks for sharing. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!! What an incredible adventure! All that scenery was so cool - we don't have stuff like that here! Thanks for showing us around, Sam!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels to your mom!
Play bows,
Zim
Sam, you asked if you could use the idea of "pet sitting" for your rescue. Please do, it would be a wonderful thing if we could help your rescue. One of our readers left a comment suggesting rates they use in their rescue. A great way to raise money for your rescue in these hard times. Where there is a dog, there is a way!
ReplyDeleteMogley G. Retriever
Mogley G. Retriever
What gorgeous surroundings. Not a bad way to recharge in preparation for Monday. :)
ReplyDeleteI can see why you were so excited to "make time" at the gas station, you had to have known what an adventure was ahead! Glad you enjoyed your trip!!
ReplyDeleteEven when it comes to a cliff dwelling, it's still location, location, location.
ReplyDeleteYet another most excellent adventure. Your momma can't complain about being cold there - it looks pretty toasty.
ReplyDeleteSam looks like you had a great day.
ReplyDeleteLooks very beautiful there.
Cool walk, Sam. We are jealous, looks like spring there already.
ReplyDeleteTucker and Daisy
Sam!
ReplyDeleteSure you had a pawesome day!
Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
He looks so happy in that last pic. Looks like a wonderful place to visit, thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
What inkhredible views and pikhs!
ReplyDeleteThanks fur sharing!
My Khousin Abby went to Prescott for the weekend but had to head bakhk to Phoenix early due to the SNOW! *SIGH!*
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie
Its very beautiful there! In your last picture you look like a model!!! So gorgeous! Hugs Joey and Kealani
ReplyDeleteHey Sam,
ReplyDeleteWhat a GReat adventure. AZ is a cool place for adventures. Have you been to the big hole up by Flagstaff? Hows about Tombstone, the town too tough to die, have you been there?
- TBH&K
Hi ya Sam! Fantastic hike! And, so much history. Reminds us of the Canyon de Chelly area. Hope to see more of your advetures!
ReplyDeleteHugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose
Thanks for the wonderful travel-log. Lady and I must go soon before our trek back to Seattle. Good to know there are some dog friendly areas we can both enjoy. We explored Tuzigoot & Sycamore Canyon last year and loved it. Hope it stops raining soon here in the Valley. I have to pinch myself thinking I may still be in the Northwest.
ReplyDeletehe sure looks happy in the last picture!
ReplyDeletewad a great place for a nice walk with yr family!
Wow, what a pretty place! Glad Sam got to go!
ReplyDeleteSam what a wonderful trip you went on!!Those pictures were beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI bet there lots of things to sniff around there... :)
Licks from me!!
Olive
Wow! I love where you live! What a cool place! Great pics. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like great fun. What an interesting place to visit. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteAny road trip, except to the vet, is a fun adventure. And we don't really mind going to the vet. Just don't tell the humans.
ReplyDeleteWe can see that you had a wonderful time Sam. Such a beautiful place...
ReplyDeleteBig Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
Wow! What an awesome adventure! We've never seen anything like that in person!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch
Holy Smokes! That's beautiful!
ReplyDelete