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 most people think of Arizona, they picture deserts, saguaros, and red rock cliffs. Fishing is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But Arizona quietly offers some of the most diverse and underrated fishing in the Southwest, with everything from mountain trout streams to desert reservoirs full of bass and catfish. Whether you are a weekend angler or just looking for a new outdoor hobby, Arizona has water, fish, and year-round opportunities. advertisement What You Can Catch in Arizona Arizona’s variety of elevations creates a wide range of fishing options. In the high country, cooler waters support
When people hear “snowbirds,” they usually picture retirees escaping icy northern winters for Arizona sunshine. But the state’s true snowbirds arrive on wings, not wheels. Every winter, Arizona becomes an unexpected hotspot for migrating birds from across North America. From massive white pelicans gliding over desert lakes to honking flocks of geese touching down in farm fields, Arizona transforms into a seasonal refuge for birds seeking warmer weather, open water, and reliable food sources. And yes, you can see them without leaving the desert. advertisement Why Birds Choose Arizona for the Winter Arizona may be known for cacti and red
Spring Training is drawing closer in Arizona, and that means more than baseball; it’s sunshine, easy day trips, incredible food, and some of the best desert scenery in the country. With 15 MLB teams playing across Greater Phoenix, visitors can catch a game and still have plenty of time for hiking, shopping, museums, and nightlife. advertisement Plan Around the Baseball Schedule Arizona’s Cactus League brings teams and ballparks close together, making it easy to see multiple games (and multiple stadiums) in one trip. Many games start in the daytime, leaving late afternoons and evenings wide open for exploring. Pick a
Flagstaff, Arizona, is internationally recognized for its commitment to protecting the night sky. Long before “dark sky” became a global movement, this mountain town was taking action to preserve its stars. Flagstaff’s dark sky advocacy is a combination of science, community planning, and environmental stewardship that has made it a model for cities around the world. advertisement A City Built Around the Stars Flagstaff’s relationship with the night sky dates back to the late 1800s, when astronomers were drawn to the area’s high elevation, clean air, and minimal light pollution. The founding of Lowell Observatory in 1894 cemented the city’s
