Montezuma Castle National Monument
National Monument · Arizona
NPS Photo/Sharlot Hart
Ancient dwellings in Yavapai County, Arizona, US
Montezuma Castle National Monument protects a well-preserved cliff dwelling located in Camp Verde, Arizona. The National Monument also protects and preserves the Castle A site, a contemporaneous dwelling site located near the cliff dwelling. The construction of the Montezuma Castle and Castle A sites are both attributed to the Southern Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian archaeological culture that may be closely related to several ancestral indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States. Archaeological evidence suggests that the dwelling was constructed as early as 1125 AD and occupied until as late as 1395 AD.
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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Montezuma Castle
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM |
Montezuma Well
Montezuma Well, a separate unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument, is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. Please note that Montezuma Well is a 20-minute drive from Montezuma Castle. Parking on the road or in front of the gate is not allowed at any time.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM | 9:00AM - 4:45PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Montezuma Castle National Monument?
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.
What are the best activities at Montezuma Castle National Monument?
Popular activities at Montezuma Castle National Monument include: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Astronomy, Camping, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking.
What is the weather like at Montezuma Castle National Monument?
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 the afternoons. Winter: Cool. Highs average around 55°F (13°C); lows may be in the teens (-10°C). Snow is rare, but possible. For detailed information, visit the National Weather Service: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.61151944900047&lon=-111.8389592099997#.Vi_FZX6rSUk
How do I get to Montezuma Castle National Monument?
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.
Entrance Fees
This entrance fee covers one adult, aged 16 and over, for entrance to Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments for 7 days.
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 the afternoons. Winter: Cool. Highs average around 55°F (13°C); lows may be in the teens (-10°C). Snow is rare, but possible. For detailed information, visit the National Weather Service: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.61151944900047&lon=-111.8389592099997#.Vi_FZX6rSUk
Directions
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.
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Official Resources
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