What were we thinking?.... We stayed at Camp Verde and wanted to see Montezuma's Castle... so, we ask Ms. GPS how far this National Monument was from where we stayed at Distant Drums RV Park in Camp Verde, AZ. Ms. GPS and Google maps both said 2 mi. Since it was pretty hilly (translation: too demanding for a bike ride), we decided, great.... that's walking distance... so, away we went. It was still early enough in the morning and temperatures were still cool. All we would need is some water and our walking shoes... right?....wrong! The 2 mi hike turned out to be 3.5 miles, and in the middle of the desert, low 70's feel like 90 deg!!! 3.5 mi was to the visitor center... then some more hiking to the ruins..... Total hike: 5.5mi with nothing but mesquite bushes and salamanders.
Phew... after it was all said and done... we were too pooped to hike back and decided to use the thumb routine. Luckily some hospitable old seniors gave us a ride in the back of their truck... I know, I know... hitch-hiking is not the best way for seniors to get from point A to point B, but... if point B is in the Arizona desert... one must just trust some other seniors :-)
Bottom line... It was an amazing place.. Definitely worth the trip. Check out our 'TRAVEL IN PICTURES' page.
Phew... after it was all said and done... we were too pooped to hike back and decided to use the thumb routine. Luckily some hospitable old seniors gave us a ride in the back of their truck... I know, I know... hitch-hiking is not the best way for seniors to get from point A to point B, but... if point B is in the Arizona desert... one must just trust some other seniors :-)
Bottom line... It was an amazing place.. Definitely worth the trip. Check out our 'TRAVEL IN PICTURES' page.