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
When you think about Arizona, there is no denying you’ll also think about cactus. Not only is it the state flower of the blossom of a Saguaro Cactus, but it’s also illegal to destroy or vandalize a Saguaro Cactus in Arizona. But beyond cactus ‘s resilience in the harsh desert landscape, did you know this spiny plant is also packed with health benefits? From cactus fruit to cactus pads (called nopales), the versatile cactus has been a staple in indigenous diets for thousands of years. It is now gaining attention for its impressive nutritional properties. advertisement What Is Cactus Fruit?
The Bureau of Land Management has announced a $2.4 million investment from the Investing in America agenda. This initiative will support a cultural landscape study and predictive model for public lands in California and Arizona. The study aims to assess the impact of renewable energy development on Tribal ancestral lands as well as other significant landscapes in the Colorado River Basin, helping to improve the responsible siting and processing of renewable energy right-of-way applications. advertisement Renewable Energy Meets Ancestral Grounds As the world shifts toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, the United States has emerged at the forefront of renewable
Arizona is a state brimming with wild-west history, and one of its most celebrated traditions is the rodeo! Rodeos in Arizona provide a dynamic glimpse into this storied past, blending rugged cowboy skills with the high-octane energy of modern competition. advertisement Arizona Rodeo History Rodeo in Arizona traces its roots back to the late 1800s, reflecting the challenges and lifestyles of early cattle ranchers and cowboys. In Arizona, ranch hands faced the daily grind of herding cattle, breaking wild horses, and wrangling in the intense desert environment. Born out of necessity, the Rodeo was a way for these cowboys to
Arizona’s history is rich with tales of pioneers, miners, ranchers, and outlaws, but none are as infamous as the Cochise County Cowboys. These figures became synonymous with lawlessness in the late 1800s, and their stories spread far beyond the state’s borders. But what exactly made these cowboys so notorious? advertisement The Wild West Era and the Birth of Tombstone In the 1870s, the area that would become Tombstone, Arizona, was a barren stretch of land, home only to a few scattered settlements. But the town exploded when Ed Schieffelin, a prospector, discovered silver in the Tombstone Hills. By 1880, Tombstone
