Tuzigoot National Monument, Arizona

Tuzigoot National Monument is a large, multi-roomed pueblo built on the top of a small hill 120 feet of above the Verde Valley floor. The Sinagua people built this structure between 1125 and 1400. In its prime, this pueblo had 77 rooms and extended 2 stories high in multiple places.

During the 1930s, walls and rooms were reconstructed as a part of a public works project. At that time, archaeologists excavated the ancient pueblo’s foundations and built the structure you see today on top. A concrete path takes you past many rooms to the top of the ruin where one room has been reconstructed including a roof. Like all reconstructed walls, this roof was built using the same method and materials used by the original Sinagua people. Inside this room, you can ascend modern stairs to the roof. Here you have 360 degree views of the entire river valley, surrounding mountains and even the town of Jerome in the distance.

The Visitor Center at the base of the monument contains many exhibits explaining the significant of the artifacts found at this site. We were surprised that sea shells were found and believed to be from trading with other indigenous people from as far away as Mexico. In fact, the Sinagua people had extensive trading routes and traded with the northern Arizona tribes as well. We were somewhat disappointed to learn that the entire ruin was reconstructed, but we appreciate importance of preserving this ruin to teach about the Sinagua and their customs.

Tips:

1. The paved sidewalk might be too steep for wheel chairs. Call the visitor center to inquire before visiting.

2. The admission fee is $5 per adult, $8 if you also visit the Montezuma Castle Monument in the same day, and free if you have an America the Beautiful Pass.

Photo Update!! We finally posted our Tucson photos and more photos (click: here) of Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well and Tuzigoot ~ enjoy!!