Montezuma Well National Monument
HIGHLIGHTS
Cliff and cave dwellings located in the interior of a natural spring sinkhole. Easy hike for families.
WHERE TO CAMP
Verde River RV Resort & Cottages
CLIFF DWELLINGS IN A NATURAL SPRING SINKHOLE
For Peach’s birthday, we thought it would be awesome to see Montezuma Well National Monument. We celebrated by completing the last of our National Monument trifecta in the Verde Valley. Similar to the Montezuma Castle, the dwellings here are located in the interior cliffs of this natural spring sinkhole. The depth of the spring is unknown and has an outlet that allows the water to flow into nearby creeks, keeping the well from overflowing. The water flows up from deep underground continuously. There are three cliff dwellings on the perimeter and another larger one located at the water’s edge.
Singuan pueblos and cliff dwellings are found throughout the region. We lucked out staying at Verde River RV Resort & Cottages with its close proximity to three of the major National Monuments. The small visit center of Montezuma Well is worth an hour of your time to view and read about the pottery, tools and history of the Sinaguan people and their culture. The three monuments made for a wonderful addition to the kids homeschooling when coupled with the Junior Ranger booklets from the National Park Service. Three more Junior Ranger badges added to the collection!
Aerial view of Montezuma Well from Google Maps.