Tuzigoot National Monument

Oak Creek Canyon Lookout

The day after we visited Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano, it was time to starting heading back down to Raven's family's home. Both of us were sad our trip was coming to an end, but there were a few more adventures to be had along the way. We stopped at an overlook above Oak Canyon before we headed down to follow the creek along the canyon floor.

Oak Creek Canyon Lookout

At the lookout, there was a little American Indian craft market. See the cedar bead necklace Raven's wearing? We got it from a nice lady who also gifted us with little Christmas ornaments. It was so nice of her!

Tuzigoot! National Monument

After we passed through the canyon and Sedona, we headed to our next park- Tuzigoot National Monument! Tuzigoot is pretty near to Montezuma Castle; the Sinagua people lived at both sites. Tuzigoot is a pueblo with a lookout tower, which we were eager to see and climb!

Tuzigoot! National Monument

After we picked up our Junior Ranger activity guides, we headed up the hill from the Visitor Center to the Pueblo. Raven and I stopped to take a photo with this sign. It's a good reminder when you're visiting a park. Even though you might find cool things like flowers and artifacts, you should leave them behind for everyone to enjoy.

Tuzigoot! National Monument

Once we reached the top of the hill, we climbed up into the lookout tower. From there, you can look over the whole valley! We imagined what it would have been like to be Sinagua girls. We would have eaten corn, beans, and squash. We probably would have helped our mothers grind corn with a mano and metate. We would have loved our valley home, no matter what.

Tuzigoot! National Monument

After we had spent more time exploring the Pueblo and learning about the Sinagua people (when their young children died, they buried them under the floor- whoa!), we headed back down the hill to the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center has a small museum where you can learn all about the different cultures that lived in the area over the past few thousand years. When we had finished exploring the exhibits, Ranger Chris checked over our Junior Ranger guides and swore us in as Junior Rangers! Now that we're home again, Raven has told me that Tuzigoot was her favorite park on our entire trip. I loved it too! Have you ever discovered a special place while traveling?

9 comments

  1. Hey Inky,

    I gotta agree with Raven - Tuzigoot looks gorgeous! It might just be my favorite place you've visited. I love all of the green! I must admit, I'm not used to seeing so much desert.

    I love your green babydoll style shirt! Who made it for you?

    A special place while traveling? Hmm. Maybe my friend Kiki's backyard in Colorado? She had quite the view of the mountains! I loved just sitting on her fence and taking in the view. :)

    Sophie

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    1. Hi Sophie,
      I would love to visit Kiki's backyard! I haven't gone to Colorado yet, but I am hoping to. My parents say that it is one of the most beautiful states in the whole country.

      My green shirt is from Royal Doll Boutique. She designed it especially for me, but she does sell it in other colors now too!

      Love,
      Inky

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  2. Raven is right...well, almost right. I think I like the Grand Canyon better. I was at the Grand Canyon on the day that Venus crossed the sun with my grandparents.
    We got to go on Angels window. It was so windy, though, that my grandparents worried that we would be swept away.
    I probably wouldn't have minded being a Sinagua girl. I love corn.

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    1. Wow, Angel's Window sounds cool! I'm glad you weren't swept away. :)

      Love,
      Inky

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  3. Hey Inky! Your summer looks awesome!! I haven't been able to get out much this summer, and I sorely miss my hiking boots. I love yours!! :)
    -Lauren

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    1. Lauren, you should definitely dust off your hiking boots and get to a park before you outgrow them! Mine are from the 2007 American Girl Adventure Outfit.

      Love,
      Inkster

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  4. Wow Inky! That sounds awesome! I think Tuzigoot National Monument looks beautiful! Even though I have only seen pictures I'm sure it is better if you experience it in real life! Hopefully I can go there one day!

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    1. McKenna,
      I hope you do get to go there someday! Have you been to any of the National Parks near your home?

      Love,

      Inky

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    2. Not yet, but I am pretty close to YellowStone! We may go there sometime! If we do get to go I'll make sure to take lot's of pictures and write about it on my blog!
      XOXO
      ~ McKenna

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