Prehistoric peoples called the Sinagua (pronounced see-NAH-wah and is Spanish for 'without water') used all 3 from about 1125 to 1400. As in other prehistoric peoples I have reproted on, no one knows why they left.
Montezuma well is a natural sinkhole 368' across with cliffs 70' high. Everyday 1.5 million gallons of water flows into the well. They origin of the water, at a constant 74 degrees, is still unknown. The water exits the well through a cave that the Sinagua used to irrigate crops and the NPS has also taken advantage of.
Montezuma Castle was named by early settlers who thought is was built by Aztecs, whose leader at one time was Montezuma - the name stuck. It was up to 6 stories high with at least 45 rooms. It was built 100' above the valley floor. The only way up to it was ladders. Tourist at one time were allowed up in the Castle, but due to the large increase in their numbers, in 1951, that stopped. So, no photos of the inside or views of the surrounding area from from a high vantage point.
Tuzigoot was built on a 120' rise above the Verde Valley. At its peak, about 225 to 250 lived in it's 100 rooms. There were very few exterior doors; entry was by way of ladders through openings in the roof. Why? Another unsolved mystery.
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