Tuzigoot National Monument, Clarkdale

Three large Indian pueblos occupied by the Sinagua from 1076 AD to around 1425 crown a 100 foot high ridge on the banks of the Verde River. Tuzigoot is an Apache word meaning "crooked water." The park preserves remnants of the Sinagua (Spanish for "without water"). The Sinagua farmed the land in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff to the Little Colorado River and south to the Verde River Valley.

Tuzigoot reached its present size in the 1300s, but in the early 1400s the Sinagua abandoned the entire valley. Why they left is a modern puzzle. Perhaps there was competition for natural resources in a changing climate, conflict among different peoples, or disease. Some joined the Hopi in the Four Corners Area.

The visitor center has artifacts representing ancient Sinaguan culture in Arizona, and there's a trail around the fragile ruin.

Open Daily.
Summer: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Winter: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Christmas day.

Tuzigoot National Monument is 52 miles south of Flagstaff, Arizona via U.S. Alternate Highway 89A, or 90 miles north of Phoenix. Travel Interstate Highway 17, take Exit 287 and travel west on Highway 260 to Cottonwood. In Cottonwood take Main Street north towards Clarkdale.