Nestled into a limestone recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley stands one of the best preserved cliff dwellings 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. It is the main attraction of Montezuma Castle National Monument. Early settlers to the area assumed that the imposing structure was associated with the Aztec emperor Montezuma, but the castle was actually abandoned almost a century before Montezuma was born.
With heightened concern over vandalism of fragile southwestern prehistoric sites, Montezuma Castle became a major factor in the nation's historic preservation movement with its proclamation as a national monument. The Castle was described in the December 1906 establishment proclamation as "of the greatest ethnological and scientific interest."
To get there, take I-17 to Exit 289 just north of Camp Verde and follow the signs 3 miles to the park.
The Basics
Location:
A few miles north of Camp Verde off I-17
Hours:
Summer: 8 am - 7 pm Winter: 8 am - 5 pm
Season:
Open year round
Price:
$3
Address:
2800 Montezuma Castle Road
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Phone:
928-567-3322
Fax:
928-567-3597
Map
Directions
50 miles south of Flagstaff, 55 miles east of Prescott, and 100 miles north of Phoenix. To get there, take I-17 to Exit 289 just north of Camp Verde and follow the signs 3 miles to the park.
Climate
Summers in the Verde Valley are generally hot and dry. Although, it often cools down considerably at night. Winters can be snowy at times with temperatures ranging between 14-45°.
Always carry plenty of water when exploring the desert, even during the winter, since the extremely dry air can dehydrate you quickly. During the hottest summer months (May-September), even one gallon of water per person per day may not be adequate to prevent heat injuries.
Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument and witness the incredible legacy of a people who struggled to survive in the Verde Valley 1,000 years ago.
Set aside a few hours to explore the museum and roam the trails through a scenic sycamore grove at the base of towering limestone cliffs. Enjoy your lunch in our picnic area along the shore of Beaver Creek.
For Kids
Junior Ranger booklets are available free of charge for children up to 14 years of age. By completing the activities in the booklet and reciting the Junior Ranger Pledge, kids are awarded a special badge that identifies them as official Junior Rangers for both Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments.
Be sure to ask a park ranger at the Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well visitor centers for further details on the program and to receive your free booklet.
Guided Tours
Ranger-led programs are offered periodically (late morning and early afternoon) at Montezuma Castle, and daily at Montezuma Well. These programs cover topics ranging from the geology and wildlife of the Verde Valley to the history and culture of the Sinagua people.
Ask a park ranger for details on the daily schedule of programs.
