Montezuma's Castle

Montezuma was never here. In fact, he wasn't born until at least 200 years after the site was abandoned. The people who lived here just disappeared. The Navajo and Hopi say they are still here in them.

This is a model of the pueblo. The Park Service has an agreement with some local Native Americans to maintain the ruins in a completely authentic manner. Last year they came and repaired or replaced the main roof.


The public is no longer allowed to enter the ruins or climb the cliffs. I'm glad, this way they will be there for us all for a long, long time to come.

These are some of the storage caves. They would fill the cave with supplies, light a small fire and then seal the cave completely. The fire would burn all the oxygen out and the food would be safe in the cave for about three years.

Tom bought our first Native American flute in Red Rock Canyon State Park in Nevada about a month ago. He plays it every day now. In the gift shop here, they had a display of High Spirits flutes, the same manufacturer as the first one he bought. Needless to say we bought some more. Now we have a C (the first one) an A and 2 pocket flutes in A. We both play every day now.

Next: Montezuma's Well.