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Tag Archives: cliff dwellings

Phenomenal Cliff Dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument

19 January 201531 August 2024

Montezuma, AZ, 1999

Well-preserved and protected from the elements,  an ancient Indian cliff dwelling is said to have been built between 1100 to 1425 AD.  Standing five stories tall, an estimated forty-five to sixty rooms have been built into an alcove of limestone.

When I arrived in the small town of Camp Verde, Arizona, I could not have imagined the beauty of the Montezuma Castle National Monument.  What I found most impressive was the craftsmanship of the Sinagua and the incredible cliff dwellings they had built nearly 100 feet above Beaver Creek Canyon.

Approaching the site, I immediately noticed the detail of Montezuma’s construction and how the large stones were held together by a primitive mix of clay and mud.  The walls were built from layers of mud measuring about an inch thick protecting the interior rooms and providing a barrier from the wind and heat.  The thatched roof was  constructed of local Arizona sycamore intertwined with mud.  According to the artifacts found at the site, these rooms were used for both living space and storage.

Researchers believe that the Indians may have fled in the mid-11th century when nearby Sunset Crater Volcano erupted.  They would later return in the late 1100s as the area was then perfect for growing crops following the event.  The aftermath of the eruption gave the Indians a strong, reliable watershed for irrigation and a much richer soil.

Montezuma Castle National Monument became a US National Monument in 1906 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.   Early visitors could climb up into the ancient apartment complex  through a series of ladders until it was prohibited to do so in 1951.  While the interior of the settlement is not accessible today, the site is a spectacular example of Indian life of the Southwest.   There are approximately 400,000 visitors that tour the park and visitor’s center each year.  The Visitor’s Center displays artifacts and provides a historical account of the lives of the Sinaguan culture.  Even today, this location remains a place of religious ceremonies for the local Hopi and Yavapai Indians.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona?  What did you think of your experience?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Montezuma and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle Road
Camp Verde, Arizona  86322
Telephone:  928 567 3322

To reach Montezuma Castle National Monument, follow these directions:

Follow I-17 to exit 289 (90 minutes north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of Flagstaff).  Drive east (through 2 traffic circles) for approximately ½ mile to the blinking red light.  Turn left onto Montezuma Castle Road.

  • Admission Fee:  Montezuma Castle Entrance fees are Adults (16 and older):  $10 which is good for seven days for the castle as well as the Tuzigoot National Monuments;  Children under 16 can enter at no charge.   There are several holidays where entrance is free to include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day, National Service Park Anniversary, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day
  • Hours:  The visitor center, museum and trail are open daily from 8AM to 5PM;  Montezuma Well Trail is also open daily from 8AM to 5PM and for all attractions, the last vehicle admission is 4:45PM.  For additional discounted fees visit the park’s website.
  • Amenities:  Educational opportunities and bookstore
  • Scenic View:  Montezuma Castle is spectacular dating over 800 years
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Bring water and sunscreen as the site is in the middle of the desert.  Consider arriving early (around 9AM) when the sun will be behind you.  Parking may be difficult because it is small, but spaces are more available after lunch on most days.  Don’t forget that your entrance fee also includes the Tuzigoot Ruins!

Where to Stay: 

The Lodge at Cliff Castle Casino
333 Middle Verde Road
Camp Verde, AZ  86322
Telephone:  866 925 7881
Website: https://www.cliffcastlecasinohotel.com/

Where to Eat:

Mountain Springs Buffet at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel 

What to Eat: 

  • Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
  • Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
  • Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
  • Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig.  This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
  • Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
  • Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
  • Tamales!

What to Read: 

  • The Women in the Castle, by Jessica Shattuck
  • The High House, by Jessie Greengrass
  • The Cave Dwellers, by Christina McDowell

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Sedona, a Spiritual Sanctuary

25 August 201427 October 2024

Sedona Colors, 1999

I’m not certain if I was more exited to visit the Grand Canyon National Park or to stop in the colorful town of Sedona on our travels from Phoenix.  It was the perfect mid-trip stop where we would be staying overnight before taking a few hours to explore and continue on to Flagstaff.

It is no secret that the fascinating draw to Sedona is its intriguing red sandstone formations. They are most beautiful at dusk or dawn when the sun’s light appears to illuminate the rocks with colors of orange and red.

What a view...Sedona, 1999

Evidence of pre-historic Native American life is quite prevalent here.  Archaeologists have uncovered pueblos and cliff dwellings as well as rock art and pottery from tribes of the Navajo and Hopi.

It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that early settlers began making their way west towards Oak Creek Canyon.  Most would be surprised to learn that the area was prime farmland where there is an abundance of water, lots of sunshine and rich volcanic soil.  The nearby creek was used to irrigate crops in addition to peach and apple orchards.

Amazing View of the Red Rocks, AZ, 1999

Sedona was a small town until the 1950s when it grew into a tourist destination and retirement center.  With its mild winters and hot summers, it is no surprise that the area has become popular with snowbirds.    000 The Church in the Red Rock, 1999

In addition to the beauty of Sedona’s natural formations, the man-made structure that also attracts visitors to the area is the Chapel of the Holy Cross.  Completed in 1956, the chapel rises out of 1,000 feet of red rock.

Infamous Red Rocks of Sedona, 1999

Whether it is the natural beauty, the spiritual aura or the perfect weather in Sedona, this scenic town just draws you in and leaves you wanting more.  Visit some of the unique shops in the area or plan for a hike.  Sedona is the perfect destination for an unforgettable experience historically and for some, spiritually.

Have you visited Sedona? What did you think of the area?  I would love to hear about your trip if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my short stay in Sedona and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Chapel of the Holy Cross
Sedona, AZ  86336
Telephone:  888 242 7359

Where to Stay:

The Andante Inn of Sedona
2545 W. State Route 89a
Sedona, AZ  86336
Telephone:  928 282 1533

Where to Eat:

Hiro’s Sushi & Japanese Kitchen
1730 W State Rt. 89A #6
Sedona, AZ  86336
Telephone:  928 282 8906

What to Read: 

  • A Window on Sedona, Living in the Land of the Red Rocks, by Dottie Webster
  • Sedona, Treasure of the Southwest, by Kathleen Bryant
  • The Journal of Sedona Schnebly, by Lisa Heidinger
  • Skulls of Sedona, by J.R. Ripley

Photo Guide for Sedona: 

  • Airport Mesa is accessible by taking the airport road to a parking lot where perfect opportunities await.  Popular for taking sunset photos. From Airport Mesa, photographers can capture pics of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and Courthouse Rock.
  • Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most photographed landmark and one of the best views is from Crescent Moon Picnic Area.  Photograph the rock or hike up for outstanding views of the area.
  • Chimney Rock Loop Hike offers fabulous views of Chimney Rock.
  • Courthouse Butte Loop Trail for stunning views.
  • Devil’s Bridge is one of the most unique locations for capturing the extraordinary scenery of Sedona.  Visitors can walk across the stone arch which provides stunning views of the area.  A four wheel drive is required to access the trail which leads to Devil’s Bridge.
  • Red Rock State Park:  For a fee of $10 per vehicle, this amazing park is home the spectacular red rock for which Sedona is known.  The trails reach gorgeous landscape and beautiful views.
  • Schnebly Hill Road:  Although you will need a four wheel drive vehicle to access this road, there are some amazing views of Sedona in this area.

Cacti in Sedona, 1999

Cacti in Sedona

Incredible Rocks in Sedona, 1999

Incredible Rocks in Sedona

Red Rock Country, 1999

Red Rock Country in Sedona

000 Red Rock of Sedona, 1999

Red Rock of Sedona

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I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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