Tuzigoot National Monument

Description:

• Crowning a desert hilltop is an ancient pueblo. From a roof top a child scans the desert landscape for the arrival of traders, which are due any day now. What riches will they bring? What stories will they tell? Will all of them return? From the top of the Tuzigoot Pueblo it is easy to imagine such an important moment.

  Tuzigoot is an ancient village or pueblo built by a culture known as the Sinagua. The pueblo consisted of 110 rooms including second and third story structures. The first buildings were built around A.D. 1000. The Sinagua were agriculturalists with trade connections that spanned hundreds of miles. The people left the area around 1400. The site is currently comprised of 42 acres.

  Tuzigoot National Monument has much to offer. The visitor center is a small, old-style museum with many artifacts on display. It is one of the few museums interpreting ancient Sinaguan culture in Arizona. The Ruins trail loops around the pueblo and allows visitors to closely view the structures.

  Two trails are found at Tuzigoot-The Ruins Loop trail and the Tavasci Marsh Overlook trail. Both trails are a quarter of a mile in length. Pets must be on a leash to use any of the trails in the monument. Other hiking opportunities can be found in nearby Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area, on Mingus Mountain, in Oak Creek Canyon, and at Red Rock State Park. Ask a ranger for directions and more information.

  Talks and guided tours are offered daily depending on available staff. Junior Ranger Program activity guides are provided on request. Visiting school groups may qualify for a fee waiver; contact the monument for details. Guided tours and talks are offered to organized groups by prior arrangements. Off-site interpretive programs are available to schools within Verde Valley during the winter months.

  Tuzigoot has no campgrounds. Camping facilities can be found in nearby state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds. The entrance fee is $2.00 per person. Children 16 and younger are free. Golden Eagle Passports are honored.

  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.