May 1, 2020 info@gadgetgrrl.com Nearby Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Verde Valley Comment 2

Verde Valley has several astonishing Native American sites that are useful for a wide range of purposes. Whether you are looking for a place to learn about the history of the Native Americans or simply want to explore and have fun, these sites are exceptional places you don’t want to miss. Let’s take a look at three of the Native American sites in Verde Valley.

Montezuma Castle

Montezuma Castle is a historical edifice found in the heart of the Verde Valley. This castle is a 5-story structure with 20 magnificent rooms that is prettified with a breathtaking limestone cliff.

There is a popular misconception about this castle as many often assume that Montezuma, who was once the Aztec emperor, used to reside here. However, no evidence has backed this claim. Factually, the monumental castle was built by Sinagua Indians, who were known as ancient people that dwelled in cliffs. It is believed that they built this building between 1100 and 1350 A.D and made mainly from mud mortar and limestone.

Over the past years, Montezuma Castle had experienced a couple of changes and restoration. It is now the ideal place for you to take a stroll with the family and friends and learn more about the wonderful things that transpired in the Verde Valley areas many centuries ago.

Montezuma Well

Around 6 miles away from the popular Montezuma Castle, you will find Montezuma Well. This well came into existence through a sunken cavern. Now, a lot of people visit this significant limestone sinkhole. With a depth of 55 feet and a width of 368 feet, this well is a massive structure and gets 1.5 million gallons of warm water from underground pumps daily. The warm water is at 75 degrees. A historical irrigation ditch and other ancient dwellings are found around the well.

Similarly, there are several animals of various species within the site of this well. They include red-tailed hawk, cottontail rabbit, Gila woodpecker, American robin, lesser goldfinch, chipmunk, skunk, collared lizard, and great blue heron. Others are Arizona great fox, great horned owl, red-shafted flicker, ruddy duck, belted kingfisher, white-tailed deer, and common raven. A wide variety of plants are also found around Montezuma Well. Some of them are brittlebush, creosote bush, Arizona sycamore, Jimson weed, Arizona walnut, saltbush, and lots more.

Tuzigoot National Monument

This awesome monument is found on a ridge that sits above the Verde River within the Verde Valley. It is known to be one of the biggest and most magnificent pueblos that were constructed by the Sinagua people between 1100 and 1450 AD. Tuzigoot National Monument was a two-story edifice with over 100 rooms.

In 1939, the Tuzigoot Ruins was finally recognized as a National Monument while the Tuzigoot National Monument Archaeological District was recognized as one of the locations on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. If you want to visit the Tuzigoot National Monument, it is open to all visitors throughout the year from 8 am to 5 pm. It is normally closed on only Christmas.