Arizona is no stranger to sinkholes. They’ve emerged in city streets, the base of the Grand Canyon, and even in the middle of a private residence. But the gargantuan limestone sinkhole known as Montezuma Well has a history that’s fascinating.
The sinkhole first appeared 11,000 years ago when a crack in the limestone likely led to a collapse of a cave that had formed below.
Now, 1.5 million gallons of water spill into the well from an underground source each day, regardless of drought conditions in the area. The massive well measures some 380+ feet across and contains a prehistoric canal where the water continuously flows out of the spring.
In the desert, where there's water you're bound to find people. It's estimated that humans have lived in the region for some 10,000 years.
The more recent evidence of Native Americans living in the area appears much later, between 700 and 1425 AD. Around the rim of the Well you'll see cobbled cliff dwellings. Some are reconstructed; others are evident in the piles of rock rubble.
Visitors to this National Monument can hike the paths around the Well, including a trail that leads down to the prehistoric canal, which is estimated to be seven miles long.
Around 700 AD, the indigenous people, The Sinagua, created the canal by diverting water flowing naturally from the spring to the nearby creek (now Wet Beaver Creek) in order to aid irrigation.
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Early inhabitants who built the cave dwellings, cliff houses and other dwellings in the area used the canal and water from the spring to irrigate their crops.
Ruins are scattered around the rim and inside the walls of the Well. The park service has constructed walkways and trails that make access possible so you can get a better look inside.
Oddly enough, the water in this natural spring won't sustain most aquatic life.
There are no fish in the well, but it is home to five species that are found only in this well. Among them are a water scorpion and a the Motobdella Montezuma Leech.
Natives and visitors alike sometimes confuse Montezuma Well with Montezuma Castle, ending up here by accident. And that’s okay. There’s a lot to see – and learn – about this ancient sinkhole in the desert. Have you been to Montezuma Well?
The entrance to Montezuma Well National Monument is located on Montezuma Well Road in Rimrock, Arizona. It’s approximately 10 miles from Montezuma Castle National Monument. Entry into Montezuma Well National Monument is free. (Entrance to the Castle is not.) Learn about both at this link on the official website of the National Park Service.
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