Nestled into a limestone recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley stands one of the best preserved cliff ruins in North America. The five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling served as a "high-rise apartment building" for prehistoric Sinagua Indians over 600 years ago. Early settlers to the area assumed that the imposing structure was associated with the Aztec emperor Montezuma, but the castle was abandoned almost a century before Montezuma was born.

ACREAGE:

840.86, federal; 16.83, non-federal.

VISITATION:

Approximately one million visitors come to Montezuma Castle National Monument each year. The heaviest visitation occurs during the spring, while December and January are the slowest times of the year. 

LOCATION:

Camp Verde, Arizona

ADDRESS:

Montezuma Castle National Monument
Box 219
Camp Verde, AZ 86322

TELEPHONE:

(520) 567-3322

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Open every day of the year, including Christmas day. Winter hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Summer hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summers generally hot and dry, with mild winters.

DIRECTIONS:

Montezuma Castle is located approximately 50 miles south of Flagstaff, 90 miles north of Phoenix. The park can be reached by taking Exit 289 off I-17 and following the signs 3 miles to the visitor center parking lot.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

The entrance fee is $2.00 per person; children 16 and younger are admitted free of charge. Golden Eagle Passports are honored.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The visitor center contains a small museum displaying artifacts that were found on site. Rangers provide information, programs, and assistance.

Trails, Roadways:
There is a level, paved trail one third of a mile in length. Wayside exhibits along the self-guiding trail describe the cultural and natural history of the site. A diorama/audio program depicts the interior view of the cliff dwellings. Rangers are available on the trail and programs are presented when staffing permits.

Because summer temperatures can be fatal to pets left in closed vehicles, they are allowed on the self-guiding trail while restrained on a leash of no more than six feet in length.

Programs, Activities:
Ranger-led activities provided a staffing permits.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:
There are no camping facilities at Montezuma Castle, however the surrounding area provides a variety of camping opportunities from U.S. Forest Service and State Park campgrounds to private RV parks. A small picnic area is located at the park, however no ash producing fires are allowed.

Overnight accommodations are located in Camp Verde, approximately 5 miles away. For further information contact the Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce at 520/567-9294.

Food, Supplies:
Food and gasoline are available at Camp Verde located approximately 5 miles away.

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Southwest Parks and Monuments Association operates a small bookstore in the visitor center, providing post cards, books, cameras, film, and area maps.

Accessibility:
The visitor center and most of the paved trails are accessible to wheelchairs. A portion of the Castle trail is too steep for wheelchairs and is marked with a sign. Please contact a ranger for more information.

Special Needs:
Audio cassettes and Braille text are available for the visually impaired.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Allow approximately 45 minutes to one hour to visit the castle. Generally the heaviest visitation to the site occurs between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., due to heavy commercial tour bus activity. To more fully enjoy your visit, try planning around this time period.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

School groups wishing to visit the site can apply in advance for an entrance fee waiver. A short orientation is provided by rangers. Off-site programs to Verde Valley area schools and organizations are available on request. A Junior Ranger program is available on request. Children can complete several activities from the Junior Ranger booklet and earn their badge.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Visitors are requested to stay on the paved trails to protect these fragile cultural resources. The taking of cultural and natural materials from the site is prohibited.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Montezuma Well is a detached unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument located approximately 11 miles from the park. Take Exit 293 from I-17 and drive four miles. No entrance fee is charged.

ADDITIONAL AREA INFORMATION:

The Verde Valley, lying under the spectacular cliffs of the Mogollon Rim of Central Arizona, provides a wealth of opportunity to enjoy numerous cultural and natural resources from past to present. Within a radius of 50 miles you can explore an old mining town perched on the cliffs of Mingus Mountain.  Visit a cavalry post from the 1860s, hike through the towering wilderness of Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area, which spans both the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, and enjoy the cool, lush pines and scenic red rock vistas of Oak Creek Canyon.

For more information on area attractions:

US Forest Service: Sedona District: 520/282-4119.

Arizona State Parks: Jerome  520/634-5381; Fort Verde 520/567-3275

Sedona Chamber of Commerce: 520/282-7722

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Montezuma Castle National Monument
Box 219
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
(520) 567-3322