Montezuma Well:
An Arizona Desert Oasis:
 Not far from Sedona lies the National Monuments of Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well. This "well" is actually a famous Arizona sinkhole with a long past stretching back to prehistoric times. Boasting a unique ecosystem and oasis-like environment, Montezuma Well attracts many visitors to its bubbly shores. The legacy of the Sinagua culture surrounds you during a visit to Montezuma Well. From cliff dwellings perched along the rim to large pueblo ruins and an ancient pit house, the variety of these archaeological sites is a testament to the ingenuity of these ancient native people.
The Well.
Cliff Dwellings Along The Well NPS
Montezuma Well is 368 feet wide with a consistent depth of fifty-five feet. It is 3,618 feet above sea level. The well is best described as a natural limestone sinkhole fed by underground springs. Some 1,400,000 gallons of water flow through the sinkhole every day. The well empties into Beaver Creek, which has historically supported various native cultures like the Hohokam and the Sinagua. The water of Montezuma Well is highly carbonated due to high levels of carbon dioxide. The water contains very little oxygen and so it cannot support fish. There are also high levels of arsenic present in the well's water.
The well got its name from the mistaken belief that Montezuma, the infamous Aztec chief, actually lived in the nearby ruins known as Montezuma Castle. Since the Aztecs did not settle in this area, there is little doubt that Montezuma ever lived at the "castle" or set eyes on the well. Instead, the well's water was used to irrigate crops for the ancient native people who did live nearby. Visitors to the well can still see part of a prehistoric canal that has been preserved near the picnic area.
Montezuma Well Flora.
Outlet Trail of Montezuma Well NPS
The area of the Montezuma Well strongly resembles a desert oasis. Besides juniper, Arizona sycamore, Arizona walnut, velvet ash, desert broom, and Spanish dagger, there are many wildflowers here such as Indian paintbrush, gray thistle, prickle poppy, and yellow columbine. The lush beauty of this site is well worth a visit. Many travelers take time to explore the unique vegetation of this place.
Montezuma Well Fauna.
While no fish can survive the unique conditions of the well's water, there are some species like leeches, water scorpions, and amphipods. The surrounding ecosystem is a winter stop for waterfowl like mallards, gadwells, and sometimes even Canadian geese. During the spring and summer seasons visitors can expect to see roadrunners, red-tailed hawks, robins, great blue heron, canyon wrens, belted kingfishers and many other birds. Other animals that can typically be spotted here are porcupines, white-tailed deer, rattlesnakes, rabbits, chipmunks, skunks, beavers, and Arizona gray foxes.
Montezuma Castle.
Montezuma Castle National Monument is actually the cliff dwellings of the Southern Sinagua people that were constructed in the limestone some thousand years ago. These ruins located about 11 miles south of Montezuma Well are considered some of the best examples of ancient American cliff dwellings. Visitors may take pictures but are not allowed to climb up to the ruins due to their unstable nature. Visiting both monuments gives travelers and vacationers the best insight into the ancient native civilization.
Getting There
Montezuma Well is eleven miles northeast of Montezuma Castle. Travelers should take I-17 south from Flagstaff or north from Phoenix and take Exit 293 East for about four miles until reaching the well. The monument contains a visitor center with space for a small museum showing artifacts from the ruins.
More Information.
Lodging Options.
There are no accommodations at the National Monuments. Consider hotels and motels in nearby Sedona, Flagstaff or Camp Verde.
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