advertisement
7 February 2022
Visitors to central Arizona should not miss Montezuma Castle in Camp Verde. Explore this ancient Native American dwelling carved into a limestone cliff.
There are several well-preserved ancient dwellings in north-central Arizona, including the Wupatki, Tonto, Walnut Canyon, and Tuzigoot national monuments. One of the most spectacular is this imposing 20 room, five-story structure built into a gorge in a white limestone cliff about 70 feet above ground. As soon as the ruins were discovered the early explorers thought they belonged to the Aztecs, hence the name they were given, but they actually belong to the Sinagua Indian people, who farmed the surrounding land between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries before abandoning it.
advertisement
As other cultural groups in the southwestern United States did at that time, the Sinagua apparently abandoned their permanent settlements and migrated elsewhere. The reasons for abandonment are unclear, but they may have involved drought, dwindling resources, and conflicts with newly arrived Yavapai.
Ruins in this area remain in good condition, at least in part because of their protected location, which is shielded from weather and sunlight, as well as the designation of the site as a national monument fairly early on (in 1906).
The interior of Montezuma Castle is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Early visitors to the monument had to climb ladders up the sides of the limestone cliffs to gain access to the structure. However, the public was no longer allowed to view the ruins in 1951 due to extensive damage.
Wander the trails at the base of the limestone cliffs and explore the museum’s vast collection of artifacts. The Sinagua were capable artisans, as well as prolific traders, as evidenced by the artifacts in the museum, including stone tools, metates used to grind corn, bone needles, and shell and gemstone ornaments.
You can also enjoy a picnic along the scenic shores of Beaver Creek. Through a sycamore grove and ancient cliff dwellings, you’ll travel a paved, 1/3-mile loop trail. The Montezuma Castle hike is suitable for hikers of all skill levels, and it is also a great place for nature trips and bird-watching activities.
For an even deeper exploration, the park also offers formal ranger programs, which usually last 25 minutes and cover a wide range of topics.
advertisement
Then, head 11 miles north to the Montezuma Well, a sub unit of Montezuma Castle. Numerous prehistoric groups inhabited the area around Montezuma Well as early as 11,000 BCE. After Arizona became a territory in 1863, the first historical groups came to the Verde Valley. Spanish settlers may have traveled through the area earlier, in the 1500s, but did not settle.
Montezuma Well still has its irrigation canal, picnic areas, and historic Back ranch house. Explore the trails at Montezuma Well and experience the tranquility of a site still considered sacred by many local tribes. Near the ruin and outlet, the shaded forest of the trail offers a welcome respite from Arizona’s relentless sun. It is easy to imagine how the Sinagua people would spend the hot summer days by the outlet, which is much cooler than along the Well’s rim.
advertisement
Arizona is famous for its desert landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and historic landmarks. But across the state, another form of art is quietly transforming walls, alleyways, and entire neighborhoods. Street art has become one of the most vibrant and accessible forms of creative expression in Arizona, turning ordinary buildings into outdoor galleries. From massive murals in downtown Phoenix to colorful installations in Tucson and unexpected pieces tucked into smaller towns, Arizona’s street art scene reflects the culture, history, and creativity of the communities that create it. advertisement Phoenix: A Growing Urban Canvas Phoenix has become the center of Arizona’s street art
Long before astronauts set foot on the lunar surface, scientists in Arizona were already studying it in remarkable detail. By the time President John F. Kennedy announced in 1961 that the United States would land a man on the moon before the end of the decade, researchers at the University of Arizona had already begun mapping the moon’s surface. Their work would prove critical to the success of NASA’s robotic missions and the historic Apollo landings. At the center of this effort was Gerard P. Kuiper, widely known as the father of modern planetary science. advertisement The Birth of Lunar
Arizona is a paradise for bird watchers, offering a diverse range of habitats that support both native species and migratory birds. From its desert landscapes to its high-altitude mountains, Arizona is home to an astonishing array of bird species. However, some birds in the state are considered rare, either due to their limited range, dwindling populations, or specific habitat preferences. In this article, we’ll explore some of the rarest birds in Arizona and what makes them so special. advertisement 1. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) Status: Critically Endangered The California Condor is arguably one of the most iconic rare birds in
Arizona summers can make outdoor play feel impossible, especially in the middle of the day. The good news is there are plenty of affordable, family-friendly options that keep kids cool, active, and entertained without turning it into a big-ticket outing. Below are budget-friendly ideas across the Valley, including museums, indoor play spots with strong reviews, and free or low-cost options for early mornings and evenings. advertisement 1) Affordable Indoor Museums (Air-Conditioned and Worth It) Idea Museum (Mesa) If you have younger kids who love hands-on play, art, and creative exploration, the Idea Museum is a solid summer option. It is
