We headed across the interstate exit to Montezuma Castle this morning and spent an hour or so exploring this unique area. Montezuma Castle was built by the Sinagua Indians during the 1100s, and is one of the most well preserved ancient cliff dwellings in America. The name Montezuma Castle was a mistaken name. Early settlers who discovered the cliff dwelling ruins erroneously assumed the ruins were connected to the Aztec Emperor Montezuma. But in-fact the Sinaqua abandoned the Castle dwellings a century before Montezuma was even born. And the dwellings are not a castle at all, but a multifamily prehistoric high-rise apartment complex.
These Indians had to scale the mountain walls to build the dwellings, and they used ladders to access them. The ladders were then drawn up into the dwellings for safety. The Sinagua abandoned these dwellings in the 1400s.
Although you can no longer enter them, you can see them up on the side of the mountain. They have a neat diorama that shows how the Indians must have likely lived when it was occupied. This was a really neat little trip, and very beautiful area down by the river. There were lots of gorgeous, big sycamore trees there.
These Indians had to scale the mountain walls to build the dwellings, and they used ladders to access them. The ladders were then drawn up into the dwellings for safety. The Sinagua abandoned these dwellings in the 1400s.
Although you can no longer enter them, you can see them up on the side of the mountain. They have a neat diorama that shows how the Indians must have likely lived when it was occupied. This was a really neat little trip, and very beautiful area down by the river. There were lots of gorgeous, big sycamore trees there.
After stopping for lunch in a local spot called the Blue Moon recommended to us by the ranger, we spent the afternoon exploring Jerome, AZ. This was a boomtown in the 20’s and 30’s, when the copper mines were running full blast. After the boom days, the population dropped to around 50 people. The town was later given a national historical designation, and has been restored somewhat. While we did not drive all the way up to the town, we spent a couple of really enjoyable hours exploring a nicely done State Park, which explains and demonstrates the history of the area. The lady we talked to there was so sweet and very knowledgeable. The views from the top of Cleopatra Hill, with an elevation of 5200 feet were fabulous!
Interestingly, we got our first glimpse of the San Francisco Peaks way off in the distance, covered with snow. For the next several days, we saw those mountains from many different angles and distances as we moved on through Flagstaff and to the Grand Canyon. I also was able to finally purchase a good-sized piece of amethyst, which is something I have always wanted, but could never afford. This is my birthstone, and the price was very reasonable, so I guess my patience finally paid off!
Take care, and visit us often as we move along.
Interestingly, we got our first glimpse of the San Francisco Peaks way off in the distance, covered with snow. For the next several days, we saw those mountains from many different angles and distances as we moved on through Flagstaff and to the Grand Canyon. I also was able to finally purchase a good-sized piece of amethyst, which is something I have always wanted, but could never afford. This is my birthstone, and the price was very reasonable, so I guess my patience finally paid off!
Take care, and visit us often as we move along.