Hidden gems: America's 20 least-visited National Monuments

Image 3 of 21

 20. Chiricahua, Arizona19. Tonto, Arizona18. Capulin Volcano, New Mexico17. Pipe Spring, Arizona16. El Morro, New Mexico15. Buck Island Reef, U.S. Virgin Islands14. Gila Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico13. George Washington Carver, Missouri12. Aztec Ruins, New Mexico11. Salinas Pueblo Missions, New Mexico10. Hovenweep, Utah/Colorado9. Hagerman Fossil Beds, Idaho8. Russell Cave, Alabama7. Booker T. Washington, Virginia6. Fossil Butte, Wyoming5. Agate Fossil Beds, Nebraska4. Ft. Union, New Mexico3. Alibates Flint Quarries, Texas2. Cape Krusenstern, Alaska1. Aniakchak, Alaska

Well-preserved 700-year-old caves, which contain masonry dwellings from an early farming community, overlook Theodore Roosevelt Lake in central Arizona, about 108 miles east of Phoenix. Visitors to Tonto can hike a half a mile up to lower cliff dwellings or 1.5 miles to the upper cliff dwellings (open November to April). Active beehives near the dwellings may cause them to close without notice. Camping is available at Roosevelt Lake. The most comfortable time to visit is between late October and early May; March is busiest with visitors wanting to see the wildflower display.<br>
<br>
Visitors in 2009: 60,534<br>
<br>
More info: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/tont">http://www.nps.gov/tont</a>

19. Tonto, Arizona

( Handout )

Well-preserved 700-year-old caves, which contain masonry dwellings from an early farming community, overlook Theodore Roosevelt Lake in central Arizona, about 108 miles east of Phoenix. Visitors to Tonto can hike a half a mile up to lower cliff dwellings or 1.5 miles to the upper cliff dwellings (open November to April). Active beehives near the dwellings may cause them to close without notice. Camping is available at Roosevelt Lake. The most comfortable time to visit is between late October and early May; March is busiest with visitors wanting to see the wildflower display.

Visitors in 2009: 60,534

More info: http://www.nps.gov/tont