Photo by Mare Czinar

Roughly 11,000 years ago near the present day town of McGuireville, the earth fell out from under the arid countryside, forming a sinkhole where tepid water from subterranean springs collects in a 55-foot-deep limestone cavern. Beginning in the 10th century, Sinagua Indians inhabited the area around Montezuma Well, taking advantage of the perennial waters by building canals to nourish their crops. Today, many well-preserved artifacts of this farming culture can be seen in the cliffs, caves and ridges that ring the well site. An easy, short trail lined with interpretive signage takes visitors on a trip through history, while the more difficult Well Outlet Trail explores the swallet (an opening through which a stream goes underground) and a prehistoric irrigation ditch along the banks of Beaver Creek.

Length: .3-mile loop
Rating: easy
Elevation range: 3,651-3,681 feet
Driving distance from Phoenix: 106 miles one-way
Getting there: From Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17 to the McGuireville exit (Exit 293). Follow the signs for roughly 6 miles to the parking area. Admission is free; however, there’s an entrance fee at the trail’s sister attraction, Montezuma Castle, located a few miles south of I-17.
Information: 928-567-4521, nps.gov/moca/montezuma-well.htm