The Verde Valley

Through the ages many have called the Verde Valley home:  Indians, miners, ranchers, cowboys, and tourists.  All have sought the mild 4 seasons, ever flowing streams, and a bountiful environment of plants.  We are no different:  great spring weather, fabulous views, history and hiking.   A fine way to wrap up our winter season in Arizona.

Our focus was on exploring several sites from the Southern Sinagua culture that thrived here between 900-1400 CE.  They became productive farmers and built above ground masonry dwellings.  By 1150 the Sinagua were building large pueblos on hilltops and cliffs.  For reasons unclear, the villages were all abandoned around 1400.

We also drove and explored Jerome:  a great ghost mining town turned gallery town.  Complete with views of Red Rock country!!

Montezuma Castle:  not a castle & no sign of Montezuma.
This is a 2 story pueblo with 20 rooms; storage was to the right in separate rooms.

At one time a 5 story pueblo with 85-90 room stood along this cliff..
These ruins were ransacked by white settlers and few artifacts were found on site.

Montezuma Well contains over 15 million gallons of fresh water, cycled through daily.
Note the few pueblos in the wall.

Sign of spring in a creek near the outlet of the Well.  The water in the Well is from snow and rain on the
Mogollian Rim that travels underground till it hits an obstacle and bubbles up!

Spring!!

View from Tuzigoot --down the Verde Valley

Walking along the ridge 120 feet above the Valley.
Museum in the foreground and ruins in the background.   

A two story ruin with 80+ rooms.

This location was merely a rubble ruin until 1930s when formal excavation began.
Museum is excellent with many artifacts from the site.

VIEW from Jerome (mile high former copper mine.  San Francisco peaks in background; Sedona Red Rocks beckon.