The Well

Last year our stay in Verde Valley included visits to Montezuma's Castle and Well. It was late in the day when we arrived at the Well and the time flew by so quickly that we missed some of it.

So, back to the well we went today. We decided to take a different route this time and detoured through the town of Camp Verde. There was much more to it than the glimpses from the highway.

As we got off the beaten track we discovered the Pecan Lane. This historical marker explained about this agricultural area dedicated to the hundreds of old pecan trees lining the road.


Eventually, we found our way back to Montezuma Well, the ancient limestone sinkhole. 368 feet across and 55 feet deep, this unique ecosystem is fed from underground springs and hosts several animals and plants found nowhere else.


But, to me, the most fascinating part are the small dwellings built right into the sides of the steep cliffs. Just accessing these homes must have been a challenge.

The native Sinaquan Indians carved irrigation ditches from the well to the outside valley. Some of these are still used today. One part of the original channel, located in a nearby picnic area, is waist deep.

We visited with the park ranger who again impressed us with his vast knowledge of the area, history and culture of these ancient people. So glad we went back!