Images from Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona shelters – literally – ancient dwellings created and utilized by the Sinagua people almost a thousand years ago.  Built into the recess of a white limestone cliff, the five story, twenty-roomed structure is well protected and well maintained.  A short nature trail leads past the ruins and follows a creek (Wet Beaver Creek) that likely served the Sinagua back then – and may explain why this area was selected for a home site.  The Castle lies about halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff just off of Interstate 17, so this national monument is easy to visit if you are traveling in Arizona.