One mile southwest of the City of Globe, Arizona, stand the ruins of the ancient Salado people who occupied the site nearly 800 years ago. This ancient village is known today as Besh Ba Gowah. The term was originally given by the Apaches to the early settlement of Globe. Roughly translated, the term means “place of metal.” The partially restored ruins, along with the adjacent museum provide a fascinating glimpse at the lifestyle of the people who occupied this region over two centuries before Columbus discovered the “New World.” Besh Ba Gowah offers visitors a chance to explore the ruins, a museum that houses a large collection of Salado pottery and artifacts, botanical gardens, and a gift shop.

Welcome to Tonto National Monument. The Salado Phenomena, 700 years ago, blended ideas of neighboring Native American cultures to emerge a unique and vibrant society. Tonto National Monument showcases two Salado-style cliff dwellings. Colorful pottery, woven cotton cloth, and other artifacts tell a story of people living and using resources from the northern Sonoran Desert from 1250 to 1450 CE. The southeast-facing settlements were built quite high up a steep hillside within well-protected natural caves overlooking the Tonto Basin, which is now flooded forming Theodore Roosevelt Lake, though originally the Salt River flowed through the basin which was therefore well irrigated and fertile. As with many other ancient peoples of the Southwest, the Salado appear to have abandoned their villages suddenly, early in the fifteenth century, for reasons which are not known. For more info visit https://www.discovergilacounty.com/tonto-national-moument

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located in central Arizona near Payson. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. There are three hiking trails, a picnic area, and a group use area. Goodfellow Lodge at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a one-of-a-kind rustic hideaway in the middle of some of the most picturesque scenery in Arizona’s Rim Country. Tonto Natural Bridge was discovered in 1877 by a Scottish prospector named David Gowan, who was being chased by Apaches and needed a place to hide. After hiding in the tunnel for three days and two nights, he laid claim to the bridge and canyon via squatter’s rights and moved the rest of his family over from Scotland in 1898.

Check out the new teaser video for 3 new commercials that Discover Gila County is in the process of producing. These three commercials will highlight the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in Pine, Arizona, Tonto National Monument Park in Roosevelt, Arizona and Besh Ba Gowah in Globe, Arizona.

Welcome to Besh-Ba-Gowah, the heartland of the Salado people. The term was originally given by the Apaches to the early settlement of Globe. Roughly translated, the term means “place of metal.” Here visitors will see the partially restored ancient ruin of the Salado people who occupied the site between A.D. 1225 and A.D. 1400. Enjoy the self guided tour of the village which allows visitors to experience the mysteries of those who came before. The adjacent museum provides a fascinating glimpse at prehistoric pottery, stone and woven artifacts excavated from the site and a video interpreting the lifestyle of the people who occupied this region over two centuries before Columbus discovered the 'New World.' A seasonal ethno-botanical garden provides information about and showcases plants used by the people who made this desert landscape their home.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located in central Arizona near Payson. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. There are three hiking trails, a picnic area, and a group use area. The park provides habitat for animals, insects, and birds as well as Interpretive exhibits including artifacts on the history of Tonto Natural Bridge, plus information about travertine, prehistoric inhabitants, and the historic Goodfellow Lodge.

Explore a National Treasure! Tonto National Monument provides a place to explore and learn about a unique part of America's heritage. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed December 25). For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/tont/planyourvisit/index.htm Lower Cliff Dwelling The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open year-round. It is a steep 0.5 mile walk uphill on a paved path. When you arrive, check in at the Visitor Center. You must start your hike before 4:00 p.m. During the months of June, July, and August, you must start your hike before 12:00 p.m (noon). Hiking to the Lower Cliff Dwelling takes about one hour round-trip. Upper Cliff Dwelling The Upper Cliff Dwelling is accessible by guided tour with a reservation only. The tour takes 3 to 4 hours. Tours are offered every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from November through April. To make a reservation, you must call (928)467-2241. Space and number of tours are limited due to the sensitivity of this site. For more information, visit the Guided Tours page. Visitor Center and Museum The Visitor Center offers a great introduction to the people and way of life that occupied this place 700 years ago. Watch the 18 minute park film and browse throughout the parkstore, operated by Western National Parks Association.

Razor Thin Media produces videos each month for the local Unified School District to promote student achievements, upcoming events, and highlighting the great staff of the community.

This video was shot and produced exclusively by Razor Thin Media to show how Mountain Home Interiors can help you bring the outside in to your home.