Tuzigoot National Monument

The basics

Accompanying the ruins, the Tuzigoot Museum holds ceramics, textiles, and tools made by the Sinagua people, found during the excavation of the pueblo. Located in Clarkdale, the site is roughly halfway between Prescott and Flagstaff near Sedona, and easy to visit along drives to Coconino National Forest or the Grand Canyon from Phoenix. Tours typically visit from Sedona: half-day tours visit both Montezuma and Tuzigoot, while day trips visit all of Arizona’s five national monuments. The Verde Valley Railroad rides past Tuzigoot from Clarkdale to Perkinsville.

Things to know before you go

• Always bring a hat and plenty of water. Like Sedona, Clarkdale can be cooler than the desert at sea level but is still hot and dry much of the year.

• The visitor center and the Tavasci Marsh Overlook trail are fully wheelchair accessible.

• To visit the monument or hike the trails, pay an entrance fee or flash a National Park Pass.

• Dogs are allowed on park trails, but must remain on leashes no longer than six feet (two meters).

How to get there

Tuzigoot is situated along the Verde River on the east side of Clarkdale—a small town on State Route 89A. If you’re not visiting on a tour, you’ll have to drive. It’s about a half hour from Sedona, taking the 89A south toward Cottonwood; from Prescott, it’s about an hour on the same route north.

When to get there

The monument is open year-round, closing on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. While Central Arizona is a year-round destination, spring and fall are the best times to get outdoors, as the temperatures are milder. Summer can be quite hot (meaning fewer crowds), while winter temps can reach below freezing.

Where to find ancient Sinagua Ruins in Arizona

It isn’t clear why the Sinagua people abandoned their permanent settlements in the early 15th century—the best theories suggest drought or conflicts with other native people and newcomers. The mystery of their disappearance makes them the center of archeological study in Arizona. Five Sinagua archeological sites in addition to Tuzigoot are open to the public in the state: Montezuma Castle National Monument, the V Bar B Heritage Site, and the Palatki and Honanki archeological sites.