Discovering a Remote Civilization in the Arizona Verde Valley
Visiting Tuzigoot National Monument
In 2018, we took the kids to Arizona for a trip around the state with my in-laws. We started out in Phoenix and drove up to the Grand Canyon and back down to Tucson. We stopped at several parks along the way including Tuzigoot National Monument. It’s located about 2 1/2 hours west of Sedona in Arizona’s Verde Valley.
What is Tuzigoot
Besides a fun name to say, Tuzigoot was a hilltop pueblo constructed around 1125 AD by the Sinagua people. They thrived in this area from 1000 to 1400 AD.
Built on top of a limestone ridge, the location provided a strong defensive vantage point. Down below in the valley, the Verde River provided them with fertile farmland to grow their crops.
The name “Tuzigoot” comes from the Apache word for “crooked water”, which refers to the nearby meandering river. Interestingly, the Sinagua name in Spanish means “without water”. It comes from the surprise the Spanish had that the nearby mountains didn’t have consistent rivers flowing from them.
The Sinagua people were skilled traders and agriculturalists. They developed their community into a 110 room structure. Using local stone and adobe, many of the rooms were multi-storied.
As you explore the grounds, you’ll be able to go explore some of these rooms. Once inside, you’ll notice how much cooler and more comfortable the temperature is compared to the heat of the arid Arizona climate.
It is estimated that about 200 people lived in the community at its peak. By the 1400’s, however, Tuzigoot was abandoned. This was likely due to environmental changes and resource depletion. It wouldn’t take much change for this harsh environment to become uninhabitable.
The Sinagua people eventually integrated with other cultures, including the nearby Hopi, leaving their impressive structures and artifacts behind.
Later Discovery
Tuzigoot was rediscovered by archeologists in the 1930’s during an excavation led by Louis Caywood and Edward Spicer. The Great Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps helped restore the pueblo, and in 1939, Tuzigoot was designated a National Monument by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Visiting Tuzigoot
We visited the monument on our way from Phoenix to Sedona. If you’re in the area, I’d recommend visiting. We arrived around 9 am in April and the temperatures were comfortable.
There are some great views of the river valley from the top of the complex. As I mentioned earlier, there’s also a room at the top that you can climb down into. This gives you a unique feel for what life would be like living here year round.
There’s a museum onsite that highlights some of the artifacts found during the excavation. If you enjoy hiking, there’s some dirt trails that take you down to Tavasci Marsh which we did not do because of our other plans.
Plan for it to take about than an hour to explore. Allow a little more time if you plan to hike. The paths around Tuzigoot are paved and mostly accessible.
Cost: Standard Pass $10
You’ll want to consider buying an annual pass ($35) if you’re going to multiple parks on your trip. Another option is the America the Beautiful pass which is free for current US military members, 4th graders, and US citizens with disabilities.
There’s is also a Tuzigoot & Montezuma Castle National Monument 7 Day Pass ($10) if you plan to go to both parks.
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Duck Abroad is a weekly newsletter about travel, journaling, and fun places to explore as a family. We dive into the history, events, and sights worth visiting and learning about as you explore the world.
A good post about Tuzigoot! It's basically in our "backyard" so to speak, and we visit fairly often (actually were just there a few days ago). Glad you enjoyed the visit!