Highly Recommended

Tuzigoot National Monument

Overlooking the Verde Valley in Clarkdale, Arizona, Tuzigoot National Monument preserves a Sinagua pueblo from around 1100 CE, housing roughly 250 people. This site offers insights into Sinagua culture, including agricultural practices and desert architecture.

About the experience

Tuzigoot National Monument preserves the ruins of an ancient pueblo, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Sinagua people who inhabited the Verde Valley centuries ago. Here’s what makes it an intriguing site:

  • Ancient Hilltop Pueblo: Tuzigoot, meaning "crooked water" in the Apache language, is a 110-room pueblo situated atop a hill, giving visitors panoramic views of the Verde Valley. The stone structure, built over 900 years ago, showcases the architectural skill of the Sinagua people.
  • Cultural Insights and Artifacts: The visitor center houses a fascinating collection of artifacts, including pottery, tools, and jewelry, providing insights into the daily life, craftsmanship, and trade practices of the Sinagua culture.
  • Self-Guided Exploration: Visitors can explore the pueblo’s interconnected rooms and corridors, walking the same paths as the ancient inhabitants. Interpretive signs along the trail help visitors understand the history and significance of the site.
  • Scenic Views of the Verde Valley: The monument’s hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape, including the Verde River, which played a vital role in sustaining the Sinagua community.

Tuzigoot National Monument is an enriching destination for those interested in ancient cultures, combining historical significance with Arizona’s natural beauty.

Interactive Map

Schedule

The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on Christmas Day. The visitor center operates during the same hours

Entrance Fee

$10
Admission is $10 per adult, which also includes entry to Montezuma Castle National Monument. Children under 16 are free.
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