Mystery Cave EarthCache
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Tonto National Monument is located south of Roosevelt Lake near the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Tonto National Monument was created to protect and preserve prehistoric cliff dwellings and archeological sites representing 10,000 years of human history. In addition to archeology, the monument also protects a wide variety of Sonoran Desert plants and animals.
The National Monument is open daily (except Christmas) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All visitors must report to the Visitor Center before hiking to the Lower Cliff Dwelling. A one mile, paved trail (round trip) climbs approximately 350 feet to the Lower Cliff Dwelling. The cache is located near a black interpretive sign at the bend of the trail. Spectacular views of Roosevelt Lake, the Lower Cliff Dwelling and the surrounding desert landscape are visible from the cache.
Geology
The surrounding cliffs are made of Dripping Springs Quartzite. Dripping Springs Quartzite is a conglomerate, meaning it is composed of slablike sections of siltstone, sandstone and mudstone. The cave that houses the Lower Cliff Dwelling was created thousands of years ago through a process of erosion known as spalling. Spalling occurs when moisture weakens the bond between thin crusts of rock. This causes slab sections of the surrounding cliffs to break free, eventually creating the caves, buttes and other visible landforms. Even today, spalling continues to change the appearance of the cave. Small pieces of the cave's walls and roofs will often detach following heavy rains or cold weather. As you may notice, the rocks used to line the trail and construct the Dwelling are composed of pieces that have spalled off of the surrounding cliffs.
History
The Lower Cliff Dwelling was built approximately 650 years ago. Prior to its construction, groups of people from all over the southwest, including Mexico, migrated into the Tonto Basin. During this time the Tonto Basin was a mixing pot of people with different beliefs and languages. For the last one hundred years archeologists have speculated as to who built the cliff dwellings and why. Many archeologists believe that migrants from the north built in the cliffs for protection. Others have speculated that the builders were important people from Mexico who built in the cliffs as a sign of power and prestige.
Whatever the reason, the natural location of the cliffs suited the builders well. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is an excellent example of humans using the natural landscape for their own advantage. Although we may never know why, prehistoric builders believed that this location offered an advantage over the potential building sites below.
The earthcache offers an excellent view of the cliff dwelling and surrounding landscape. Much of this landscape was created through the same processes that created the cave (erosion and spalling). The earthcache also offers a spectacular view of the Theodore Roosevelt Lake. Prehistorically, this lake would have been part of the Salt River drainage water system.
Requirements:(if you send less than what is required the log will get deleted)
1) In a few sentences, describe how the surrounding landscape may have looked different 600 years ago.
2) In a sentence or two, briefly describe why you think people may have wanted to live at the Lower Cliff Dwelling.
3) Post a photo of you and your GPS standing next to the sign ("Preserving the Past for the Future") with the Lower Cliff Dwelling in the Background.
It is important that all visitors stay on paved trails. Touching or sitting on wall sections and collecting artifacts are not permitted.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)