Three Hour: Walking With The Ancients

Adventure beyond Sedona’s red rock vistas and travel deep into the ancient heart of the Verde Valley on the “Three Hour: Walking With the Ancients” scenic driving tour. This unforgettable journey combines stunning desert landscapes, fascinating archaeology, and some of the Southwest’s most remarkable ancient cliff dwellings into one immersive cultural experience.

Designed for travelers who want to experience Arizona’s rich Indigenous history and breathtaking natural beauty, this tour explores two of the region’s most significant archaeological treasures: Montezuma Well National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Along the way, guests journey through scenic high desert landscapes while discovering the remarkable engineering, survival skills, and spiritual traditions of the Sinagua people who once thrived in this rugged environment over 800 years ago. More than just sightseeing, this experience offers a chance to walk beside history and connect with the ancient cultures that shaped the American Southwest.

The adventure begins at the mysterious and beautiful Montezuma Well National Monument, a hidden desert oasis unlike anywhere else in Arizona. Formed thousands of years ago by the collapse of an underground limestone cavern, the natural spring-fed sinkhole creates a stunning turquoise pool surrounded by towering desert cliffs and lush vegetation.

As guests walk the shaded trails around the well, they quickly discover why this location was considered sacred and life-sustaining by ancient Indigenous communities for centuries. Remarkably, over one million gallons of water flow into the well every single day, creating a permanent water source in the middle of the arid desert landscape. The Sinagua people built homes and irrigation systems around the well beginning nearly 1,000 years ago, and remnants of their cliff dwellings and agricultural canals can still be seen throughout the site today. 

Visitors often enjoy spotting wildlife, listening to birdsong echo through the canyon walls, and taking in the peaceful atmosphere beneath ancient sycamore trees. Your guide will share stories about the Sinagua civilization, the area’s rich geological & geophysical history, and the spiritual importance of water for ancient desert cultures. This stop perfectly blends archaeology, nature, and tranquility into one unforgettable experience.

The journey continues to one of Arizona’s most extraordinary archaeological landmarks: Montezuma Castle National Monument. Rising dramatically from a limestone cliff face nearly 100 feet above the valley floor, Montezuma Castle is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Built by the Sinagua people between approximately 1100 and 1400 AD, the five-story structure contains over 20 rooms ingeniously constructed into the natural rock alcove.

Despite its name, the site has no connection to the Aztec emperor Montezuma. Early settlers mistakenly believed the structure was linked to Aztec civilizations, though it was actually home to the highly skilled Sinagua people who adapted brilliantly to the harsh desert environment.

Guests stroll along peaceful walking paths beneath towering sycamore trees, while enjoying incredible views of the cliff dwelling above. Along the route, guides explain how the Sinagua farmed the fertile Verde Valley, built sophisticated irrigation systems, and thrived in the region for centuries before mysteriously leaving the area in the 1400's.

The monument offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient architecture, survival, and cultural resilience while surrounded by the beautiful desert scenery of the Upper Sonoran Desert.

Outing Includes

• Private Adventure Guide
• Red Rock Pass
• Sedona Resort/Airbnb/VRBO Transportation (Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Oak Creek Canyon)
• Bottled Water
• Ultima Electrolytes
• Osprey Daylite Hiking Backpack
• Trekking Poles
• 500 Lumen Black Diamond Headlamp
• Gloves, Beanies, Neck Gaiters (During Winter Months)
• UPF 50 Sun Hoodies
• Disposable Rain Ponchos & Rain Jackets
• Micro Spikes for Snow (If Needed)
• Osprey Poco Plus Kids Carrying Pack (By Request)
• Kids Car Seats & Booster Seats (By Request)
• Full List of Supplies Included

Logistics

• Duration: +/- 2 Hours Door-to-Door
• Walking Distance: .75 Miles
• Elevation Change: 45ft
• Capacity: 3 - 14 People
• Difficulty: Easy
• Transport: 1 Vehicle
• Sites Visited: 2 Sites
• Area of Exploration: Verde Valley
• Scenic Stops Used: Montezuma Castle National Monument, and Montezuma Well National Monument 
• Type of Drive: Heritage Site Driving Tour With Scenic Overlooks
• Best Season: All Year
• Start Times: 8:30AM, 9AM, 9:30AM, 10AM, 10:30AM
• Upcoming Availability: Walking With The Ancients Calendar
• Cost: $195 + Tax/Person (Private Only)
  

*MINIMUM GROUP SIZE & PRIVATE ONLY TOUR: THREE PERSON MINIMUM FOR PRIVATE GROUPS

**WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CONSIDERING PEEK PROTECT COVERAGE AND REVIEWING OUR CANCELLATION POLICY BEFORE BOOKING YOUR RESERVATION

***WE REQUIRE ALL ATTENDEES TO HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE TO ATTEND ANY OF OUR OUTINGS OFFERED