Montezuma Castle National Monument
Everyone likes a home with a nice view.
The people of the Sinagua culture are no exception. At Montezuma Castle National Monument, you can see the 20-story habitat they constructed 900 years ago. It still clings tightly to the limestone rock, and enjoys the same stunning desert views.
Another pueblo, labeled “Castle-A,” was excavated in 1933. The artifacts found there provide a detailed picture of the people who lived in the Verde Valley for more than four centuries.
Publicity surrounding this discovery enticed tourists to visit Montezuma Castle. Back then, you could climb the cliff face and see inside the apartments. Damage from the foot traffic threatened the site, however, so it was made off limits in 1951.
You can see photos of the views from the dwellings and treasured artifacts in the museum at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Then, as you wander the trails below the cliff dwellings, you can wonder what possessed a people to construct their homes in the sky.
It’s no wonder why they chose this beautiful and peaceful place. Enjoy the fresh breezes off Beaver Creek. Have a picnic under the sycamore trees. Let the landscape calm your spirit. It has that effect.
Once you’re ready for more, take the short drive to Montezuma Well, an irrigation channel dug by the Sinagua and fed by a natural spring. This ingenious water system is still in use today.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Post a Comment
Share your park story today. Post your park experiences, recommendations, or tips here.*
* Your comments will appear once approved by the moderator. NPCA staff do not regularly respond to postings. We reserve the right to remove comments that include profanity, personal attacks, or are off-topic. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the position(s) of NPCA. By submitting comments you are giving NPCA permission to reuse your words on our website and print materials.