Sedona's HUGE House By The Chapel~Who really owns it?

I've posted information about this before but I recently found more pictures of the house as it was being built so I thought I would post them.

Anyone who has gone to Sedona, Chapel of the Holy Cross has seen "the house". You can't take a picture of the view at the chapel without seeing "the house" in the way of the view.

The house is located at 503 Chapel Dr. and is a whopping 8,148 square feet. It also appears the land was first sold on 3/23/2001 for $286,000. I tried to get additional information by calling the City of Sedona Community Development Department and left a message that I was trying to locate the public records for that house and no one returned my call. If you want to try, call them at 928.282.1154 and ask for planning and zoning and permits. Let me know if you find out anything!

The first time we went to Sedona was Dec. 2003 and the house was already being built. I have no idea when they actually started to build it but they were putting the shell up when we were first there. With as slow as they are moving, they probably started when the land sale closed in 3/01. I am sure not only were the neighbors crying but probably so was the earth.

We asked many people who owned the home and at first we were told it was Johnny Depp. That I thought was odd since he is really the reclusive type. Why would he pick a spot right in front of a Chapel that millions visit each year. It's not exactly a good spot for privacy, you know?

Next we were told that it was Nick Cage. One lady at Robert Shields Studio (since has close up) said that he was in there picking out things to be delivered and insisted it was his home. He too is reclusive so it also didn' t make sense.

We later found out that he actually does love Sedona and often came to Sedona to vacation when he was married to Lisa Marie Presley. He wanted to have a home in Sedona and was even in escrow for a home in an exclusive area near the airport but we were told that at the last minute he dropped out of escrow. He wanted to own the airspace above his home and that can't be sold. But it was not this home.

Finally we were at an art gallery and spoke to an older gentleman for quite some time. He told us that the other stories were all fabricated and it was actually being built by the Dr. who invented the laser for Lasik eye surgery and he is from Romania.

Now as of just a few months ago, it was still being built (4 yrs later) but it has been for sale for over a year. Evidently he isn't even going to move in. He has it listed for a cool 29 million in case you are interested in having millions of visitors stare at your home all day.

Also it was reported that since they built " the house", the houses below it are now having water problems.So not only did he destroy a mesa, ruined the view from the chapel, and leaves this eye sore breathing down the necks of his neighbors, but he also is causing flooding problems.

This house proves that money talks. Why else would the city have approved this eye sore to be built? I'm not saying it isn't a beautiful house. I am saying it is not in a appropriate location.

Here is the Google map of the big house by the Chapel of the Holy Cross.  Below are the pictures of the build process over the years it took to build it.



December 2003

May 2004

February 2005

February 2006

September 2007

Google's Satellite view of Sedona's big house and the Chapel of Holy Cross 

Sedona Average Weather Temperatures

High Low Av. Precip. Record High Record Low

Jan 56°F 30°F 44°F 2.10 in. 77°F (2003) 0°F (1962)
Feb 61°F 33°F 47°F 2.16 in. 88°F (1963) 10°F (1989)
Mar 65°F 37°F 51°F 2.47 in. 89°F (2004) 9°F (1971)
Apr 73°F 42°F 58°F 1.16 in. 93°F (1996) 18°F (1972)
May 82°F 49°F 66°F 0.71 in. 104°F (2002) 24°F (1975)
Jun 93°F 58°F 76°F 0.36 in. 110°F (1990) 36°F (1971)
Jul 97°F 64°F 80°F 1.65 in. 110°F (2003) 43°F (1968)
Aug 94°F 63°F 79°F 1.90 in. 110°F (1993) 45°F (1968)
Sep 88°F 58°F 73°F 1.94 in. 104°F (1950) 28°F (1968)
Oct 77°F 48°F 63°F 1.67 in. 100°F (1980) 23°F (1997)
Nov 64°F 36°F 50°F 1.38 in. 88°F (1965) 11°F (1970)
Dec 57°F 31°F 44°F 1.51 in. 77°F (1950) 0°F (1968

More Sedona Flooding Pictures

Sedona Weather~ Flooding

Ever wonder what happens when Sedona gets too much rain at one time? Several years ago, the Oak Creek found out exactly what happens. The waters raced through Sedona and the evidence of it's power left scars on the land that would be visible for years to come.

News crews sat perched on the bridge recording the news journalist's reports and filming the events. The logs, fallen trees and boulders that normally would be immovable, raced by destroying everything in it's path. The trees hung on to the earth with their exposed roots as the raging river eroded what little soil they had to cling to.



We stood and watched as the river rose to the point it was just a few feet under a crystal store that normally sat over looking the creek. This time was much different as the store owners probably held their breath in hopes of the now raging river receeding.





The rain in the Sedona area caused slides to cover Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon. Many people along the Oak Creek lost their homes to the waters while hundreds of others were evacuated.



Slide Rock Park Before The Rain: Note The Building On The Right



Slide Rock Park After The Rain: Note The Same Building In This Picture!



This video is of the Village of Oak Creek, a couple locations in Oak Creek Canyon, Wet Beaver Creek, Dry Creek, and in the Red Rock Crossing areas.

My Hot Air Balloon Ride In Sedona

By David Lee

We had always said that we wanted to go on a hot air balloon adventure but at almost $400 for the two of us, it just seemed way too expensive for us. Even on my first trip to Sedona, a friend of ours went ballooning and while it was tempting, I still couldn't get myself to spend $190 a person for just a balloon trip.

He went and loved it and kept reminding me how I had missed my "once in a life time" opportunity. Little did he know, we were already planning our return trip to Sedona!

On my second trip, I was ready for the adventure. I asked several locals and they assured me it was a wonderful experience and I would not regret a penny. So the last full day of the trip, we booked a flight with Red Rock Balloons.

At 5:30 Am, we were picked up along with the other passengers from various resorts.

We drove quietly in the darkness to a canyon where, once we arrived, they began filling the balloon. A couple of coyotes scampered around as the morning was just beginning to open it's eyes to the new day. Several bunnies sat about a hundred
yards away watching us and this great, colorful balloon grew to it's huge size.


Our balloon was carrying seventeen passengers and our pilot! I bit much for my comfort level. But it ended up being OK. We were climbed into the basket after a brief explanation. Young and old, no one had a problem getting in.

As the sun peaked over the eastern peaks, we rose above the canyon floor and surrounding crimson rock walls and watched the animals below still playing and javelina's scrounging for food. They were not even interested in this huge balloon that was rising above their heads.

Below us, we could see fantastic rock formations rising from the golden valley floor, looking even more vibrant in color than usual from the glistening sunrise.



Above us was an azure blue sky on this cloudless morning. Then to my right, I could see a flock of birds flying by, not seeming to care that they were sharing their space with this colorful giant.

We sailed quietly since there is no engine but there was an occasional sounds of the firing the burner to keep our balloon filled up with hot air.

The only way I knew we were moving was by watching the passing scenery. But in the balloon you can't feel any movement as you drift silently.

The people hardly spoke, only the wind whispered to us. Everyone was somewhere else. We were each on our own adventure. The pilot might point out something now and then and we were lucky to not have the 1 who won't stop with the endless chattering and even the little kids that were on our flight quietly gazed out at the heavens.

We could see deer and javelina, coyotes, rabbits, and birds. You could see the traffic start to appear as the town began awaken. It was simply a magical time for all.


A couple of hours later our basket lightly touched the ground and we were all helped out of the basket. We were treated to yummy muffins, fruit juice, and/or champagne and each of us what given a "graduation" certificates.

It was the best money I have spent on an adventure and even now, years later I can still close my eyes and dream of floating with the birds and seeing the beautiful landscape in Sedona. They say that God created the earth in 6 days, I am sure he spent the last entire day creating just Sedona.

Hot Air Ballooning In Sedona

Sedona Hot Air Balloon Rides

Sedona is such a beautiful landscape of red rocks, lush green forests, wilderness areas with high canyon crimson walls and the glistening Oak Creek which meanders through the Oak Creek Canyon.

But there is only so much we can see from the ground or even hiking to the top of the buttes. One of the other ways to view the spectacular area is from a Hot Air Balloon. There are several hot air balloon companies to choose from to help you with a journey of a lifetime.

This is an adventure for everyone and no one will be disappointed. We have gone and there have been passengers in our basket that were 7 to 80 yrs old. So as you can see that as long as you are adventurous and ready for a trip of a lifetime, then you will be thrilled with your adventure. I can tell you that the views are beyond spectacular.

There are only 2 companies that have permits from the Red Rock Ranger District (which are required)they are Red Rock Balloons and Northern Lights. Sky High Balloons is a sister company to Red Rock Balloons so I am sure they have a permit too. Before you go on a flight, make sure they are certified and to check on permits, you can verify it by calling the Red Rock Ranger District at 928-282-4119.

I have gone with both companies and both Red Rock Balloons and Northern Lights are very professional, friendly and have various trips and packages to fit your needs. Most trips are $195 per person and they are about 1-1.5 hrs long (flight time. Red Rock Balloons gave us Champagne the last time we flew with them and we got a little flight certificate.

Check with all of them and you can compare. Some give DVD's of the trips which is also a nice keepsake.

There is a company named Arizona Balloon Works and I have read many complaints about them and they do not have a permit so you might want to steer clear of them.

I think getting the view from above gives you a great perspective of the area rock formations. If you really don't want to spend any money you could see Sedona from this view, check out Google Earth.At least it gives you an idea of what it is like from the comfort of your desk.

If you are wondering what to wear, ask when you make reservation since it will differ according to the time of year. But I can tell you that the trips start out early in the AM. Sunrise over the red rocks will be spectacular but it is always cold in the am. I found that it is best to wear sturdy shoes ( No sandals, flip flops,etc), pants and then layer your other clothes. That way you can remove a jacket if you get too warm. Also were a hat as the heat from the flame cans get warm on your head. But is not as windy as you would expect. But to be on the safe said, ask when you call for reservations. They can better guide you based on the time of year you are going.

Ballooning is such a wonderful, magical experience that I can't even begin to tell you what it feels like. It's just one of those things you have to live it to feel the freedom. If you can afford the price of the fare, then it is worth it for this once in a life time experience. I've been 2 times and each flight was different and yet I still feel like a kid each time I go. I am sure you will too.

Click Here For Northern Light Balloon

Click Here For Red Rock Balloon

and Red Rock's sister company
Click Here For Red Rock Balloon

Sedona's 2 Stupas~ Sacred Monuments

Source:

“Here in America there are so few places to expect the miraculous.”
Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo,
Spiritual Director of Kunzang Palyul Chöling


Like jewels hidden in the desert, these sacred monuments offer us a source for enlightenment in Sedona.

A stupa is a symbol of enlightenment and is one of the most ancient symbols of Buddhist art and achitecture. These holy & sacred monuments and were designed with deep symbolism and sacred geometry. Each Stupa is Filled with Buddhist relics, and other holy objects, stupas emanate blessings and peace. They create incredible power to those who even look upon it. It has the potential to transcend the limitations of language to activate enlightened knowledge.

It is said that "The main purpose of building stupas is to make the lives of all beings, young and old, meaningful. Building a stupa is a way to benefit sentient beings without using words. They are very powerful objects for purifying negative states of the mind. To have such a holy object existing in a country makes that country very rich and very lucky. Wherever a stupa is built, it will become a powerful place for healing and a cause of whatever success visitors are seeking. By coming and seeing such holy objects, each person can have the potential to transform their mind. These benefits apply to all sentient beings that come to the stupa, even dogs that are taken for a walk around it."

The 2 Stupas are places of great blessings. They offer a radiating presence that transmits blessings to both humans and animals, the surrounding area, and the world. If you chose to visit, you can walk around, circling the stupa a number of times, praying for yourself, your families, friends and the world. Prayers said at a Stupa are magnified.

There are no charges to enter the area but donations are welcomed. There are 2 Stupas to visit. Dogs on leashes are welcome.You are invited to make a pilgrimage today to visit these Stupas, located at the base of Thunder Mountain in the shadow of Chimney Rock. From Highway 89A, in Sedona, take Andante Dr. north to Pueblo, Dr. turn left. Proceed 50 yards and park. Enter the property at the gate on the right and continue by foot on the short trail to the Stupa. Please remember this is a sacred place and it should be treated as such. Please remind children of this.

Amitabha Stupa Park Project





Click Here To Read Miracles

Click Here For Stupa Info

Click Here For More Sedona Stupa Information

Click here For Arizona Projects

Click here for Amitabha Stupa Park Information

Click Here For Arizona Stupa Projects

Go Horse Back Riding in Sedona And Indulge Your Cowboy Spirit

Have you fallen into the vacation rut? Is your family tired of the same ole vacations? Do you have to do the same things on vacation year after year? I say no! So pack away your snorkel and fins and head to Sedona!



Saddle up and indulge your Cowboy/girl Spirit while you are in Sedona. There are several ranches that offer plenty of horseback riding, horsemanship clinics, and even classes on how to care for a horse all while in spectacular Sedona. Enjoy the vistas and the undiluted, real sensations of ranch life in southwestern Arizona.

If you are traveling with kids. This is a great adventure they will love. Call ahead and ask for the ages they accept on their tours.It seems the age requirement is 6 yrs old. I do know they offer reduced rates for kids. On some rides the kids can go to the creek and swing from the ropes. It's a day they will never forget. You can even choose the dinner ride you will enjoy a steak cooked on an open fire.

Ride the trails of Sedona, feel nature up close and explore a red rock paradise exceptionally beautiful, filled with abundant wildlife and rich in the history of the high desert. Sedona offers mild year round climate, providing endless opportunities to enjoy horseback riding in every season!
You can take a guided tour or for the more experienced,rent a horse and head out on your own. Fore those of you who don't want to ride, you can even take classes that can teach you how to connect spiritually with a horse.

Click Here For Equine Workshops

For those desiring to surround themselves with the beauty of this rugged landscape, you can experience it on a gentle, seasoned horse. There are horses and trails for everyone's skill level.

The American West holds a special place in the hearts of millions all over the world. Being a cowboy isn't just about what you wear, how you walk or what kind of horse you ride. Being "Cowboy" is a state of mind and heart, where the West is still alive and doing very well.

While on your journey you can watch the mountains and cliffs gradually turn from orange to startling red in the light of the setting sun. In every season, you'll share good company, breathtaking vistas, exciting horseback rides on seasoned horses and be able to share some Sedona Sunsets and ride your dreams.



Click Here for Sedona Equestrian Trails And Info

Click Here For More Trail Information

Click Here For Foothills Ranch For Horse Rentals and lessons

Click Here For Horseback Riding Tour

Click Here For Horse Rental Rates

Click Here For More Horseback Riding Info

Click Here For Room & Horseback Riding Package

More Sedona Motor Cycle Pictures

Sedona Motor Cycle Riding~ Arizona Bike Week

If you are heading to Sedona after the long drawn out winter, then a trip to Arizona for Arizona Bike Week is a must. It begins with the pre-events on 3/27/08 and runs through 4/6/08 and is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale is about a 2 hr ride and it the scenery is amazing so the ride will go fast.

You could rent a bike in Sedona and enjoy riding while you are on the rest of your vacation or rent one from Scottsdale area or bring your own. Anyway you get there is fine, just prepare your self for one of the best adventures of your life.

Click here for Sedona Motor Cycle Rentals

Click Here For Harley Rentals In Sedona

Click Here For L2 Motor Cycle Rentals In Scottsdale

Arizona Bike Week really gets going on April 2, 2008 with the "HandleBar Saloon", vendors, libations, nationally known performers, demo’s by Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Victory, and Yamaha/Star, contests ,freestyle riders, poker runs, custom builders, tributes, bike show, bike games, live music, raffles, charity rides and more. Taking place at WestWorld of Scottsdale.Which is a user-friendly equestrian center and special events facility. They have 120,000 sq. ft. parking garage for motorcycles only!

Click Here For Arizona Bike Week Info

Click here for West World Information

Click Here For Map

If Bike Week isn't your thing, then how about taking a tour with a small group in the Sedona area? There are several tour companies that offer guided tours to many locations around Sedona where you can get out and experience Sedona on two wheels.

Click Here for Wild Wind MC Tours

Click Here For Eagle Rider Tours

Click Here For Eagle Rider's Video

If you are really adventurous then how about planning a ride to the grand canyon? This will be a journey of a life time and something that you will surely never forget. As always, enjoy your trip to Sedona!

Sedona's Chapel Of The Holy Cross Pictures

Side view of the Chapel of the Holy Cross against the beautiful Sedona Blue Sky.

This is the parking lot and the path that leads up to the Chapel.

View inside the Chapel. Sculptures were done by Marguerite Brunswig Staude

Visit Sedona's Chapel Of The Holy Cross

One of the most visited spots in Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The architecture alone is worth the visit. Rising 200 feet from the ground, it rests amongst the red rocks.

This is one of my favorite places in Sedona. The views are just amazing and you can feel the forgiving energy as soon as you arrive.



Marguerite Brunswig Staude not only paid for this chapel to be built but she also designed this it after being inspired in 1932 but it would not be completed until 1957.

Marguerite was the youngest of 5 children and born to wealthy parents. Her father owned Brunswig Drug Company. As she grew up she broke her ties from her wealthy family and studied and traveled all over the world. Then while she was studying art in NY and as she gazed on the Empire State Building she had her first vision of what would eventually become the Chapel Of the Holy Cross. It was Ash Wednesday 1932.

She returned to California and sought the advice of Llyod Wright, Frank Llyod Wright's son. The two of them worked to design the Chapel together. Originally she wanted to build the Church in Budapest but WWII put an end to that.

In 1938 she married her husband, Tony Staude and by this time Margurerite was already a known sculptor. She spent much of her time teaching wounded soldiers how to sculpt and also taught blind people as well.

Her husband's family had a ranch known as " Doodlebug Ranch" and she vacationed in Sedona from 1940 until 1960. During the 40's both of her parents had passed away and her mother wanted a "living spiritual trust" and that was when she decided that the Chapel should be built. At the time Sedona was a sleepy little town with about 800 residents.

She had to fly to New Mexico to speak with the Bishop of the Diocese about building the Church. He was against the idea and told her so. He wanted her to build a small Church and give the rest of the money to the Indians. He finally he gave her permission.

Then she had to go to Washington DC because the land was on government land. Senator Barry Goldwater was already their friend so he gave permission.

April 1955 they broke ground on the Chapel. It took 18 months to build the Chapel and each of the 25,000 tons of rock removed was done so by hand. They didn't use any dynamite because they didn't want to disturb the area. So 4 men spent 6 weeks drilling a series of holes and would hand chip away each piece of rock.

The cost to complete the structure was $300,000. This amount was low because the architects and the construction company reduced their fees. The Contruction company that was chosen was Willaim-Simpson Construction from California.

The Sculptures that you will see inside were all done by Marguerite herself. The stations of the cross are made from antique nails.



Here is a very short video of the inside of the Chapel. You can see the sculpture Marguerite made of Jesus's face and a few other sculptures she made.


Excerpts of the NPS history:

"Marguerite Brunswig Staude (1899-1988), a sculptress, originally presented her idea for a 500-foot, block-wide cathedral to Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright's son, in the 1930s. Although the design was finally accepted by nuns in Hungary, World War II prevented construction. In 1950, Staude contacted Wright again with plans for a much smaller chapel, but the architect refused to proceed with any but the original design. Kate Rutland Thorne, "Upon This Rock, Marguerite Brunswig Staude and her Sedona Chapel," (West Sedona, Arizona: Chapel of the Holy Cross, 1995)."

"An article describing the residence inspired Marguerite Brunswig Staude to contact Anshen and Allen about the possibility of building her dream chapel in Sedona, Arizona. [31] The architects must have been intrigued when Staude, a sculptress, showed them her sketches of a Roman Catholic Church inspired by Rockefeller Center, a version of which was almost constructed for Hungarian nuns on Mount Ghelert in Budapest. Anshen and Allen began working on the chapel project in 1953. [32] Staude not only financed the chapel, but also provided accommodations for the architects at her Doodlebug Ranch in Sedona. When it was time to find an appropriate site, Staude, her husband, and the architects flew over the local hills in search of the perfect location. This type of collaboration between architect and client would also occur in the firm's work for the National Park Service."

When you visit the Chapel you will see that most people expect to find the Chapel as just another charming site. Often people are surprised to find themselves deeply moved by the powerful spirituality emanating from this simple building and its location among Sedona's red rocks.

Volunteers will assist you in parking and then you will walk up a pretty steep incline and meander along a path that leads to the Chapel. If you need assistance in walking a volunteer can drive you in a golf cart to the top of the parking area.

There is no charge to visit the Chapel. There are candles inside that you can light and a donation box is there for the candles. Also please note there are no bathroom facilities at the Chapel.

It is a Catholic Chapel but it welcomes all faiths. Monday at 5:00pm there is a prayer service.

Marguerite once said " The doors of this chapel will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed".



Click Here to Visit The Chapel's Official Site

Click Here to Read About The Chapel Of The Holy Cross

Click Here For More About The Chapel Of The Holy Cross

Click Here to read About The Building Of The Chapel

Tuzigoot Pictures

Here are some pics from my trip to Tuzigoot and the abandoned copper fields below.







Abandoned Copper Mines Below

While In Sedona, Visit Tuzigoot Ruins

While in Sedona set aside a day to visit Montezuma's Castle, Montezuma's Well and Tuzigoot. You can easily visit them all in one day and you can purchase a combined entrance fee for The Monetzuma's Castle and the Tuzigoot ruins for $8 for adults. Children under 16 are free. There is no charge for Montezuma's Well.

Visitor Information - 928-634-5564
Headquarters - 928-567-5276
Open Daily. Summer hours are 8 AM to 7 PM Winter hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Closed on Christmas day.

Tuzigoot National Monument is 22 miles from Sedona so plan on about 35 minutes. It is 52 miles south of Flagstaff, Arizona via U.S. Alternate Highway 89A, or 90 miles north of Phoenix. Travel Interstate Highway 17, take Exit 287 and travel west on Highway 260 to Cottonwood. In Cottonwood take Main Street north towards Clarkdale. Follow the signs once you arrive in Clarkdale.

Tuzigoot National Monument has pretty scenery surrounding the area as well as you will be able to view the abandoned copper mines off in the horizon.

This ancient Pueblo Indian village built by the Sinagua's. The ruins consisted of 110 rooms and it had a 2nd and a 3rd story structure. The first buildings were built around 1000 A.D.

They were farmers and grew squash, corn and beans in the fields below but they traded with others as far as several hundred miles away.This vilage is about 42 acres. They resided there for about 400 years and then unknown reasons, they left the area in 1400 A.D. Was it is flood? Was it a drought? No one knows the reason. But no one inhabited the village after that.

There are two trails found at Tuzigoot. Once is the Ruins Loop and the other is the Tavasci Marsh Overlook Trail. Both trails are 1/4 mile long and are paved but some of the inclines are steep. If you bring your dog, they must be on a leash at all times.

Click On Image For Full Size Map

Source:


Click Here To See Picture of Inside Room

Click For More Tuzigoot Info

Click For Even More Tuzigoot Info

Click For National Park Service Info

Click For Additional Park Info

Montezuma's Castle and Montezuma's Well dwellings pictures

Here are some pictures of a few dwellings that are part of the Montezumas Castle and Montezuma's Well

While In Sedona Visit Monezuma's Castle & Montezuma's Well

Located just a short 26 miles from Sedona, Montezuma's Castle sits waiting for you to explore. It was never a castle and Montezuma never lived here. It was more like a prehistoric high-rise apartment complex.

The castle is just three miles from I-17 (exit 289; north Camp Verde) at the end of a side road that winds across flat scrubland and down into the valley formed by Beaver Creek

The castle is recessed in the limestone cliff and sits 70 feet above the valley. It is a 5 story, 20 room dwelling that was built and resided in by the Sinagua Indians in the 12th century.

When first discovered the ruins were thought to be Aztec in origin which is how it got its name.But later it was discovered that was not the case.

They were farmers so their dwelling looked over their fields where they grew their squash, corn, beans and cotton. They were able to use the water from the Beaver Creek that is located nearby as well as provided them safety from any attacks from other people or animals.

This ruin was built so well that it is one of the best preserved prehistoric structures located in the entire Southwest. Additionally you can see some of the remaining ruins from an additional six-story 45-room dwelling which was built at the bottom of the cliff.



At the visitor center, you will find a small museum, and a short (paved) nature trail leading past the ruins, which cannot be seen from the road. Also as you travel along the path you will see gardens with good examples of cacti and other local plants. Also there is a picnic area is located near the visitor center. It sits under sycamore trees that will provide some shade along side the creek.

Its a good place to maybe plan your picnic because since 1951, the parks have not allowed visitors to climb up to the ruins in order to preserve them. So once you walk up the short path and see the castle, there is not really a lot to do. So if it's cool enough out, you might want to just plan on this being your picnic spot and enjoy the view.

Operating Hours, Seasons
Open every day of the year, including Christmas day. Winter hours: 8 AM to 5 PM; Summer hours: 8 AM to 7 PM.

The entrance fees are $5 for an adult which is good for a week. You can also choose to combine this ruin and Tuzigoot Monuments(another set of ruins) and pay $8 for both. You can buy these passes at either park.

Children under 16 are free. And speaking of Children, while visiting the Montezuma Castle ask one of the rangers if your little one can become a Junior Ranger at the Castle. They will be able to provide you with all the information you need. Or you can visit their site to learn more now and let them become Web Rangers now!

Click Here For Kids To Become Web Rangers

Accessibility
The visitor center and most of the paved trail are accessible to wheelchairs. A small part of the Castle trail is too steep for wheelchairs and is marked with a sign. The picnic area is not accessible to wheelchairs. Please contact a ranger for more information and more specific questions you may have. Audio cassettes and braille text are available for the visually impaired.

Click Here For More Information

Click Here To View Slide Show of The Inside Of The Castle



There is no entrance fee for the Well. The well does not take long to explore yet is a worthy stop. You can take in the castle and the well and then settle down for a picnic.



The well is located off exit 293 of I-17, along the winding route through you will see additional dwellings. The route will become unpaved at the side road to the monument. You then will pass the picnic area and foundations of a Hohokam pit house. The house is now protected by an iron roof. You will find parking just past that area. From the parking lot there is a 1/2 mile trail that leads to the south edge of the Well.

Up Town Sedona Pictures