Tuzigoot National Monument Is Now Open Again Following Closure From A Fire

One of the most well-preserved ancient ruins in Arizona, Tuzigoot National Monument preserves a prehistoric, 110-room pueblo built by the Sinagua people a millennium ago. Unfortunately, the monument suffered a fire earlier this month - but worry not! Although the grounds did sustain some damage, the pueblo itself is just fine - and the park reopened to the public on April 9. Some areas, however, remain closed. Here is everything you need to know.

Tuzigoot (which means "crooked water" in Western Apache) National Monument preserves the ruins of a 110-room prehistoric pueblo situated atop a ridge above the Verde River floodplain. Built by the Sinagua people, the pueblo dates to somewhere between 1125 and 1400 CE.

Visitors to the 800-acre monument can embark on a series of trails that lead around, through, and to the summit of the ancient Pueblo.

The trail leading into the pueblo is paved and, for the most part, accessible (although one section does require the use of stairs). Another trail leads through the Tavasci Marsh, the largest freshwater marsh in Arizona that isn't connected to the Colorado River. The marsh trails are either dirt or gravel, however there is a scenic overlook that is entirely paved.

Unfortunately, on April 2, 2023, Tuzigoot National Monument suffered a fire that burned roughly 106 acres of the Tavasci Marsh. For this reason, the monument was closed to the public for nearly a week but is back open as of April 9.

Pictured here is the aftermath of the fire. Although the blaze is 100% contained, the marsh and all trails leading through it remain closed until further notice.

In the meantime, however, you can still explore the pueblo itself and the fascinating Tuzigoot Museum, which showcases artifacts discovered in the excavation of the structure. The museum was developed with the help of descendants of those who once called Tuzigoot home!

And always remember to leave no trace!

For more information about Tuzigoot National Monument, please visit the National Park Service website.

Have you ever been to Tuzigoot National Monument? What's your favorite thing about these ancient ruins in Arizona? Tell us in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for one of the most scenic train rides in Arizona that departs from Clarkdale.