If you've ever driven north on Interstate 17 toward Sedona or Flagstaff, you've likely noticed signs directing you toward Montezuma Castle National Monument near Camp Verde.
I had seen them myself many times but never thought too much about it. I was more concerned with getting to my destination than stopping off for some sightseeing. Plus, being an Arizona native, I had seen plenty of pictures of the 1,000-year-old cliff dwellings and thought it was neat enough, but never thought it warranted going out of my way for a visit.
However, my girlfriend and I decided to make the short detour on our way to Sedona about two years ago. We're both glad we did because pictures don't do the site justice.
When you get there and are able to soak in the surroundings you can't help but think to yourself over and over, "How did they do that?" I can't imagine the work the Sinagua people went through to construct and maintain the limestone dwellings.
A trip to the monument won't take you long if you want to swing by the next time you're in that part of the state. It's only 10 to 15 minutes off of I-17 and we stayed there for about 90 minutes or so.
After paying your $5 fee, you can browse the gift shop and small museum and learn some of the history of the site. The pictures of early visitors climbing ladders up to the dwellings with their baby in tow are worth checking out.
Then head out to the 1/3-mile trail that will take you past the dwellings and scenic Beaver Creek. They have friendly, knowledgeable tour guides along the trail who will take your picture or drop some Montezuma knowledge on you.
There's not too much else for me to say about Montezuma Castle. It's just one of those places you have to see for yourself to understand how unique it is.
Ready to drop the books and get away from campus for a while? Looking to explore more of Arizona than just Mill Avenue? On The Road is here to help you find things to do outside the valley and around the state when you need a break from campus life. From hiking the mountains around town for a few hours, to exploring the red rocks of Sedona for a day, to a weekend ski trip just hours away in the winter, this Arizona native is here to help you see and explore more of the state. Feel free to contact me with any ideas for future posts at chadmhays@hotmail.com or follow me on Twitter.
