TUZIGOOT

What is Tuzigoot?  Likely, most of my readers have never heard of Tuzigoot National Monument, but the federal government has.  There are protected Native American ruins which had been occupied for approximately 400 years and America, located between Prescott and Sedona just outside of the town of Cottonwood. 

The hilltop structure likely housed over 200 agrarian natives in this fertile valley.  Consisting of over 90 first story rooms and about 15 second story habitats, the views are stunning.  To the north, Sedona, to the south, the perched town of Jerome on Mingus Mountain.   This wayfare site and communal home was at the crossroads of early native trade.   The Verde River winds slowly through the valley.

We made the visit with Louise's mother and father including L's brother's mother-in-law.  Here, a vantage point view of the Verde Valley.

Tuzigoot is one of those quiet gems preserved for future generations and is easily worth the two or three miles drive off of the major throughfare Highway 89A.

Next entry will include a recent hike I took with my dad up in the Thumb Butte area just west of Prescott.   Have a great day!