This summer has been an incredibly hot time, temperature-wise. I think it has been the hottest summer since we moved here in 1994. In celebration of summer, and a desperate need to get out and about, we headed north in search of glorious photo ops, and cooler temps.
First stop ~ Tuzigoot National Monument
We've never stopped here before, but what a lovely historical spot.
The breeze was blowing nicely up here and at 85 degrees, it all felt heavenly.
Tuzigoot is one of the ancestral homes of the Sinagua People who were nomadic in nature and lived for a good bit of time, right here near the Verde River Valley just northeast of what is now Cottonwood. These people were a complex society of farmers and traders.
The remnants of their former pueblo, with over 100 rooms in its heyday, is outlined very nicely today. Surprisingly, this pueblo was unearthed in the mid 1930's after surveyors and archaeologists noticed what they considered to be an unusual hill.
Tuzigoot National Monument is a part of the National Parks System and operates about 360 days per year from 9am-5pm daily. Stop in for a nice 45-60 minute visit of the area.
Another spot on our trek through northern Arizona was Montuzema Castle National Monument.
This incredible bit of history was formerly a 45-50 room pueblo built into the side of a small cliff/hill/mountain sort of thing. The Sinagua People are estimated to have lived along Beaver Creek for almost 500 years. Early American vacationers were once allowed to roam about in the dwelling, but it has not become impassible due to structural changes and must be observed from a distance. It's an absolutely incredible bit of Arizona history - open daily from 8am to 5pm. Also located in the Verde Valley, and operated by the National Park System, you'll want at least 30-45 minutes to walk the path that allows you to view both the Monument and the Beaver Creek.
We stayed at the Tavern Hotel in Cottonwood on this little 3-day getaway and loved it. Situated smack-dab right in the middle of Main Street in Cottonwood, the Tavern Hotel is not only supremely comfortable, but very decently priced. The rooms are spacious and some sport little outdoor seating spaces. Owned and operated by 'The Haunted Group' of hotels and restaurants, it is clean and just about everything you could want in a small town. The Tavern Grill is just outside the front doors of the hotel, and Nic's Italian Restaurant is just across the street - a delicious dinner awaits! Crema is located just across the street as well and serves up a light OR hearty breakfast - your choice. Oh, and Colt 804 Grill is just down the street with some terrific lunch specials and bbq options. The Beer is Cold!!!
Cottonwood has wineries, antique shops, and kitsch all up and down Main Street.
The main reason I wanted to head this direction was to re-visit the Grand Canyon. We haven't been in almost 7 years and this intensely gorgeous panoramic was calling out to me.
We drove from Cottonwood and walked the 2.5 mile trek from the Visitor's Center to El Tovar Hotel. Covid is still out there, and some people were masked up - not everyone mind you, but some people. There was a little food truck just outside El Tovar and after our jaunt, I was hungry enough to eat the over-boiled hot dog in a cold stale bun and LOVED it!!
Check out these gorgeous photos of our beautiful Grand Canyon National Park.
We did spy some mama moose and their little darlings along the road just outside El Tovar.
Making use of the shuttle transportation within the park was very easy - masks are required onboard the shuttles. Back to our car, we meandered along the rim of the canyon on Desert View Drive towards Flagstaff and enjoyed several turn-out spots with incredible vistas. Moran Point was my absolute favorite.
The Desert View Watchtower was the last turn-out for us as we headed out of Grand Canyon National Park. It is a 70-foot tall building made out of a variety of very cool stones. The tower itself was closed during our visit, but the exterior was very cool. This is the 'last stop' on the way out and if you need a restroom or bite to eat - this is your place!
Grand Canyon National Park is open all year long for your viewing pleasure.
We Loved It!!!
Until the Great Lakes....
Deb :)
