Montezuma Castle National Monument - National Park Directory

A 5-story masonry dwelling sits in a cliff alcove.

Montezuma Castle was built in an alcove about 90 feet up a cliff. This protects the dwelling from flooding.

Sun shines on the window sill in a masonry wall; trees in fall color are seen outside the window.

Visitors to Montezuma Castle usually only get to see the dwelling from the outside. This view shows what the Sinagua might have seen.

Two masonry walls with a dark doorway in a short cliff ledge.

The Sinagua used space efficiently - here a storage room sits in a short cliff space below the main Castle.

Two cliff dwellings and a tree with yellow leaves above a pond.

Montezuma Well provided a stable source of water to the Sinagua.

a blue sinkhole surrounded by algae, reeds, and cattails in a desert landscape

From the overlook, visitors can view some of the dwellings alongside Montezuma Well.

Photos: National Park Service

About Montezuma Castle National Monument

Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a story of ingenuity, survival and ultimately, prosperity in an unforgiving desert landscape.

Quick Facts

State Arizona

Designation National Monument

State Code AZ

Weather Summer: Hot. Temperatures range from 95°F (35°C) to 115°F (46°C). Nighttime temperatures can be much cooler, around 70°F (21°C). From July through September, heavy rains called monsoons are common in…

Location & Map

Montezuma Castle National Monument is located in Arizona.

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Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person $10.00

This entrance fee covers one adult, aged 16 and over, for entrance to Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments for 7 days.

Operating Hours

Montezuma Castle is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. Please note that the park gate is one mile from the visitor center and closes at 4:45pm. Parking on the road or in front of the gate is not allowed at any time.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:45PM

Monday 9:00AM - 4:45PM

Thursday 9:00AM - 4:45PM

Sunday 9:00AM - 4:45PM

Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:45PM

Friday 9:00AM - 4:45PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 4:45PM

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Astronomy Camping Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Montezuma Castle: Follow I-17 to exit 289 (90 minutes north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of Flagstaff). Drive east (through two traffic circles) for approximately 1/2 mile to the blinking red light. Turn left onto Montezuma Castle Road. Montezuma Well: Follow I-17 to exit 293 (north of the exit for Montezuma Castle). Continue through the towns of McGuireville and Rimrock, following the signs for 4 miles to the entrance to the Well.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 2800 Montezuma Castle Road, Camp Verde, AZ, 86322

Phone 9285673322

Email moca_tuzi_info@nps.gov

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park $35.00

$35 annual pass, good for one (1) year. Will cover the entrance fee at both Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments. Available to everyone; good for card holder plus 3 adult guests. Can be obtained in person at Montezuma Castle National Monument, Tuzigoot National Monument, or online at Recreation.gov. Passes are NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building Archeology Cliff Dwellings Arts Photography Commerce Trade Native American Heritage Animals Birds Climate Change Fire Groundwater Unique Species

Things To Do

View Montezuma Castle

Visitors can view two cliff dwellings while visiting the park, Montezuma Castle and Castle A. An accessible, 0.3 mile trail…

Become a Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot BARK Ranger

Do you think your dog has what it takes to become an official Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot Bark Ranger? Stop…

Visitor Centers

Montezuma Castle Visitor Center

This visitor center provides the entrance fee station, as well as bathrooms, a small museum, and the Western National Parks Association bookstore. Stop in first…

Hours: The Montezuma Castle Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 4:45 pm. The park may close early on December 24, 31, and the day before Thanksgiving. Please note that the park gate is one mile from the visitor center and locks at 5 pm.

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