Images of Montezuma Castle National Monument – Central Arizona, taken in April 2018.

In a region where ruins are abundant Montezuma Castle National Monument protects several very interesting features. First are the cliff dwellings, approximately 900 year old structures built into the side of a cliff 100 feet above the valley and overlooking the river. This is a well preserved five story dwelling containing twenty rooms and is what most people envision when thinking about a cliff dwelling.

Several miles away is Montezuma Well, a sink hole that contains over 15 million gallons of spring water that is replenished by 1.5 million gallons of fresh water every day. The water that percolates into the well today fell as rain over 10,000 years ago! Cliff dwellings are built into the rim of the well and ruins are evident on top of the rim. As many as 150 people lived here between 1125 and 1400. Also interesting is that because the water contains arsenic and high amounts of carbon dioxide there are no fish in the well. However, there are five species here that are found nowhere else on earth including a shrimp-like creature and a type of leech; all contributing to the uniqueness of this fascinating place.