Location: Camp Verde, Arizona
Hours: Monday-Sunday (8 AM-4:45 PM)
Distance: Half Mile Loop Time: 20 Minutes
Difficulty: Extremely Easy
Season: Year Round
Foot Traffic: Moderate to Heavy
Overview
Montezuma’s Castle is an amazing example of a prehistoric cliff dwelling. In 1906 it became among the first National Monuments to be installed. One main trail (wheelchair accessible) starts from the visitor center and circles the Monument. Visitors will be introuced to the Sinaguan culture and people who built these amazing dwellings and thrived for so many years in this harsh environment.
The actual site of Montezuma’s Castle will assuredly leave any visitor in awe. It is one of the most well preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Montezuma’s Castle also boasts a second portion of the monument, a fifteen minute drive away, at Montezuma’s Well. Both sites consist of short trails that can be visited and hiked in a single, relaxing day. The Monument lies in the central portion of Arizona, two hours from the Grand Canyon and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Phoenix, making it an ideal road trip destination.
History of Montezuma Castle
The dwellings at Montezuma’s Castle were built by the Sinagua people in the early 1100’s and were abandoned by around 1425 due to migration to other areas. There were multiple possible reasons for their migration, including overpopulation, drought, disease, social conflict and the depletion of natural resources. The impressive Dwellings are tucked into a cave 100 feet above the verde valley, overlooking Beaver Creek. The site is 4 stories and is made up of 17 rooms (there is also a “basement” with 2 store rooms).
Early Days of the Monument
On December 8, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the site of Montezuma’s castle along with 3 other entities as National Monuments. These would become the first National Monuments in the history of the United States. In the early days of the monument visitors were allowed to access the dwellings via climbing ladders that would lead to the structure (similiar to how visitors still access the sites at Mesa Verde National Park). These practices were discontinued in 1951 due to worries of degradation of the sites. Today visitors can enjoy the dwellings from just below the actual structures, while entering the sites is prohibited.
Visiting Montezuma Castle
While the Monument is open year round, the summer months can become extremely hot and the winter can tend to be a bit chilly. Spring and Fall are typically the best times to visit. Upon arriving, visitors should stop at the visitors center to check out the displays and to learn a little about this area before setting out on the 1/2 mile paved loop (wheelchair accessible) that leads to the cliff dwellings of Montezuma’s Castle.
The Park Rangers here tend to be very friendly and willing to share their knowledge of the site.
Scout’s Story
Visiting Montezuma’s Castle is something that My wife and I have had the pleasure of doing many, many times over the years. It is a great destination that can be done in a relatively short amount of time, at a very leisurely pace. On our most recent trip we were able to visit with our daughter, Scout, just before she turned 6 months old. We had spent the majority of the previous 4 and a half months traveling around the U.S. with Scout, so this trip was pretty typical of what Scout had become accustomed to doing. Our trip was brief, but we took the short half mile loop and enjoyed the fall colors.
Although my wife and I had visited this site so many times before, there is something about visiting a place with your child for the first time that makes it almost feel as if you are visiting that place for the first time again.
After spending about an hour at the monument we decided to head down the road to Montezuma’s Well and then to Flagstaff and the Lava River Caves. Another great aspect of Montezuma’s Castle is all the other great sites in super close proximity.
Our favorite time to visit Montezuma Castle is either fall or winter. Winter can be a bit chilly, but there are very few crowds. Visiting in the fall is enhanced by the fall colors and what is usually ideal weather. We have visited Montezuma’s Castle in every season and every trip has been a great, relaxing experience for us.
Getting to Montezuma Castle National Monument
2800 Montezuma Castle Road, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Entrance Fee
$10.00 for adults. Free for kids 15 and under and entrance is good for 7 days (Also covers entrance to Tuzigoot National Monument).
A great idea is to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass, which is good for 1 year and allows access to all National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas.
- Annual Pass = $80
- Lifetime Military Pass = Free
- Lifetime Senior Pass = $80
- Permanent Disability (Verifiable and Documented) = Free
- 4th Grade Pass = Free
- This pass is valid for the duration of the 4th grader’s school year though the following summer (September-August)
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Are dogs allowed at Montezuma’s Castle?
- Dogs are allowed on trails and at picnic areas but must be on a leash less than 6 feet in length. Dogs are prohibited in the visitor center and in restrooms. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Please park in designated parking areas only. Failure to do so can result in a ticket or fine and can cause the parks to implement restrictions on visitation.
Picnic tables and picnic sites are present at Montezuma’s Castle National Monument. They are located in front of the parking lot just before the visitor center. Please be responsible and respectful while enjoying these areas that the park service has provided. Please clean up and dispose of, or pack out of all trash.
