After seeing the cliff dwellers in Sedona, we wanted to see Montezuma Caste - the 20 ancient apartment showcasing the Native American culture and way of life back then.

It's truly remarkable how the people found shade, water and housing in such a harsh desert climate.

As you walk the ancient neighbourhood, you try to imagine what life was like.

The ruins clearly show where once walls stood to create rooms for storing food and living in.

A river runs very close to where the people lived, providing much needed water.

This is a model of what the castle would have looked like.

Montezuma Castle - National Monument Arizona:

https://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm

• $10.00 fee to access the National Monument or a National Parks Pass
• To access the monument, you need to pass through the territorial lands of the Yavapai-Apache First Nation

Leaving I17, you access the Yavapai-Apache Nation

Stopped to check out the famous Fry Bread

Jewelry and items made by the tribe are sold at this little roadside stop

Thanks Alesya for suggesting the Fry Bread with honey. It was very good.

Yavapai-Apache Nation:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yavapai–Apache_Nation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yavapai
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache


After a quick bite of Fry Bread we drove to Montezuma's Well

A nice and easy walk to the well from the parking lot

It's amazing to see such an oasis in the middle of the desert. I can't image how critical this spot was.

Darrel and Cody walked the perimeter of the well as I navigated the ancient stairs to make my way to the water well.

Many homes are still visible around the top of the well along with the caves down at the bottom.

The desert in Arizona is always breathtaking with its views.

As I walk down into the well, I stop to take in the screen view and realize how quiet things are. All I can hear is the babbling brook of water leaving the well and birds singing songs or praise for the abundance of food and water.

Slowing making my way down the starts. I stop to take a photo for Darrel as He is at the top and missing this viewpoint.

The area has an abundance of plants that offer food, medicinal properties and shelter.

The water source come up from a natural spring and replenishes itself continually, the water is not stale or stagnant.

Another dwelling at the bottom of the well near the water and natural canal where water drains out to a stream.

Water drains from the well under the rocks into a narrow canal or tube at this point.

A beautiful day to take in all the glory of Mother Nature.

Interesting architecture of a home that was constructed underground.



A roof has been placed over the structure to help preserve it. I wish there was a way to see inside.

Montezuma Well - National Monument Arizona:

https://www.nps.gov/moca/planyourvisit/exploring-montezuma-well.htm

• Free to access and beautiful to see