If you’re buying a home for sale in DC Ranch, you know that the community’s convenient location on the north side of Scottsdale makes it the perfect launch for great day trips around the Copper State. We’re close to the Tonto National Forest, a short drive from Prescott and even relatively near the Coconino National Forest – and that means there are plenty of natural landmarks to enjoy within a short drive from your front door if you’re living in DC Ranch.
3 Must-See Landmarks Within a Short Drive From DC Ranch
Check out these three must-see landmarks that you can drive to – and back from – in a day from your home in DC Ranch:
- Montezuma Castle
- Coconino Lava River Cave
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
Here’s a closer look at each.
Montezuma Castle
Montezuma Castle in Yavapai County – located here – is a remarkable peek into Arizona’s rich past. The structure is nearly a thousand years old. Built by the indigenous Sinagua people, who lived in the Verde Valley of central Arizona, this “castle” is built into a natural cave in a limestone cliff face. It rises 90 feet from the valley floor, which made it only accessible by ladder; that provided an unusual (and incredibly effective) form of protection for the tribe. Featuring five stories that encompass 20 rooms, Montezuma Castle is now a protected site as a National Monument. You can’t enter the structure, but you can tour it from below after taking a short walk from the visitor’s center.
Montezuma castle is about 94 miles from DC Ranch, so if you leave early in the morning and take I-17, you should be there in a little over an hour and a half.
More information: https://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm
Coconino Lava River Cave
Coconino Lava River Cave is probably unlike anything you’ve seen before. It’s located here, about 163 miles from the entrance to DC Ranch near Humphrey’s Peak in Flagstaff. Although it’ll take more than two hours to drive to the parking area near Lava River Cave, it’s totally worth it. This lava tube, which features long, cave-like passages underground, is about a mile long, and it was formed about 700,000 years ago. Smooth rock surrounds you as you walk through the tremendous passage (but be careful, because condensation can form and the path can be slippery in some spots), where the underground temperature can drop as low as 42 degrees F. If you visit, bring a few flashlights (a mile is a long way in the dark) and wear sturdy shoes.
More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55122&actid=102
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona (located here) is around 113 miles from DC Ranch, and if you haven’t yet been to it, now’s a perfect time. It’s unmistakable, as the building features a 90-foot cross that appears to rise from the rocks it’s built on – and although it’s definitively a religious monument, you can enjoy it for various other reasons, as well. In fact, the short trek up the hill to the chapel has some of Sedona’s most spectacular views, which you can appreciate at any time of day. The parking is somewhat limited, but if you arrive early you’ll have plenty of space.
More information: https://visitsedona.com/blog/chapel-of-the-holy-cross-architecture/
Are You Selling a Home in DC Ranch?
Thinking about selling your home in DC Ranch? Call us at 480-360-0281 to find out how we’ll market it to all the right buyers. If you’re also looking for a new home, we’d love show you any listing in the community. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to search for something that’s a perfect match for your needs.
While you’re here, check out our:
- Country Club Village homes for sale
- Desert Camp Village homes for sale
- Desert Parks Village homes for sale
- Silverleaf Village homes for sale
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
866-613-8356
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
