This day trip is fairly simple and can be done in the time between breakfast and dinner. However, in my opinion, begin your day as early as possible (I would recommend 8 AM at the latest). I had a car, so I can’t speak to making this trip by public transportation.
Begin by driving to…
Tuzigoot National Monument
Spend fifteen to thirty minutes in the museum, depending on how much reading and shopping you want to do. Then, walk to the ancient hilltop pueblo residence. Unless you really want to enjoy the atmosphere, allot another fifteen to thirty minutes there before heading out.
Jerome
If you like haunted hotels or want to (try and get into) a restaurant called the Haunted Hamburger, visit the mountainside town of Jerome.
If old mining rigs are your thing, there is a small sight called the Little Daisy Mine that you can visit nearby. It has the largest wooden headframe that still remains standing in the state.
A drive up out of Jerome leads to a beautiful overlook.
Food/Photo
If you didn’t eat in Jerome, stop somewhere for some food. If you like interesting or cheesy roadside stops, you could even grab a photo of this guy: the world’s largest Kokopell.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
After eating, drive a short distance to see Montezuma Castle. It is another Native American residence, this time built into a cliff face. If you have kids, ask about a junior ranger activity for them to do along the way. Depending on how long you want to linger, allot at least half an hour there.
On the Road Again
Once your trip to Montezuma Castle is complete, enjoy the many cacti on your drive back to Phoenix or through Arizona on to your next location.
A Trip Takes Me 