Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument is located in central Arizona, near the town of Camp Verde. It is situated in the Verde Valley, approximately 90 miles north of Phoenix. The monument encompasses a remarkably preserved cliff-dwelling, which was built and used by the Southern Sinagua people between the 12th and 15th centuries.

The cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle are considered one of the best-preserved prehistoric structures in North America. The five-story structure consists of 20 rooms built into the limestone cliffs, reaching a height of around 90 feet. Surprisingly, the castle was not actually built by Montezuma, nor was it a castle. The name "Montezuma Castle" was given by early European settlers who mistakenly associated it with the Aztec emperor.

Visitors to Montezuma Castle National Monument have the opportunity to explore and learn about the rich history of the Sinagua people. The site includes a visitor center with exhibits, artifacts, and displays that provide insight into the lives of the ancient inhabitants. There is also a short paved trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the dwelling, offering a closer look at its impressive architecture.

Besides Montezuma Castle, there are other attractions nearby that visitors can enjoy. Montezuma Well, a natural limestone sinkhole filled with water, is located just a few miles from the castle. It is a beautiful spot for hiking and birdwatching. Another nearby attraction is the Tuzigoot National Monument, which features the ruins of a Sinagua pueblo built on a hilltop. The site has a visitor center with exhibits and a trail that takes visitors around the ruins, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.

In summary, Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona is a significant historical site that preserves the remnants of a remarkable cliff-dwelling built by the Southern Sinagua people. Visitors can explore the castle, learn about its history at the visitor center, and enjoy the nearby attractions such as Montezuma Well and Tuzigoot National Monument.

Montezuma Castle National Monument is situated in the central part of the state of Arizona, United States. Nestled within the Verde Valley, it is surrounded by a picturesque landscape characterized by tall cliffs, lush greenery, and a meandering river. The monument itself is perched high atop a limestone cliff, overlooking the scenic Beaver Creek. The elevation of the castle adds to its allure and can be accessed through a short hike along a well-maintained trail. This unique geographical location adds to the mystical ambiance of the monument, making it an awe-inspiring destination for visitors.

Address & Contact

2800 Montezuma Castle Road
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Driving Directions
Phone: 9285673322
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Montezuma Castle National Monument is during the months of April and May. During this time, the weather is pleasant with average maximum temperatures ranging from 80°F to 87°F, and average minimum temperatures ranging from 40°F to 47°F. The average monthly precipitation is low, ranging from 0.4 to 0.5 inches. These conditions allow for enjoyable outdoor activities without excessive heat or rain. Additionally, visitor numbers during this period are relatively moderate, ensuring a more peaceful and less crowded experience.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Montezuma Castle National Monument are: Astronomy Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Camping Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Montezuma Castle National Monument: Animals Birds Groundwater Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Native American Heritage Fire Unique Species Photography Climate Change Cliff Dwellings Commerce Trade

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 to get all the information you need!

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Montezuma Castle Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Montezuma Castle National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Montezuma Castle National Monument

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

Located in Sedona, Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Bell Rock and Sedona Golf Resort. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 90 Ridge Trail Dr, Sedona, Arizona 86351
Web: Link

Best Western Cottonwood Inn

A stay at Best Western Cottonwood Inn places you in the heart of Cottonwood, within a 5-minute drive of Old Town Center for the Arts and Clemenceau Heritage Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Cottonwood? This hotel has facilities measuring 500 square feet (46 square meters), including a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 993 S Main St, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326
Web: Link

Verde Valley Inn

A stay at Verde Valley Inn places you in the heart of Cottonwood, within a 5-minute drive of Verde Santa Fe Golf Club and Old Town Center for the Arts. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1089 State Route 260, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326
Web: Link

Las Posadas of Sedona

Located in Sedona, Las Posadas of Sedona is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Bell Rock and Sedona Golf Resort. Featured amenities include a computer station, multilingual staff, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 26 Avenida de Piedras, Sedona, Arizona 86351
Web: Link

Desert Rose Bed and Breakfast

Located in Cottonwood, Desert Rose Bed and Breakfast is a 4-minute drive from Verde Santa Fe Golf Club and 6 minutes from Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4190 E Bridle Path Road, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326
Web: Link

Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort, a Thousand Trails Property

Located in Cottonwood, Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort, a Thousand Trails Property is within a 15-minute drive of Alcantara Vineyards and Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 6400 Thousand Trails Rd, #16, Cottonwood, Arizona 86326
Web: Link

Fort Verde Suites Motel

With a stay at Fort Verde Suites Motel, you'll be centrally located in Camp Verde, within a 10-minute walk of Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Fort Verde Park State Historic Park. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 628 S Main St, Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
Web: Link

Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge

With a stay at Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge in Cornville (Verde Santa Fe), you'll be steps from Verde Santa Fe Golf Club and a 5-minute drive from Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 625 Verde Santa Fe Pkwy, Cornville, Arizona 86325
Web: Link

Red Rock Royalty

Located in Sedona, this vacation home is a 2-minute drive from Sedona Golf Resort and 6 minutes from Bell Rock. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 940 East Saddlehorn Road, Sedona, Arizona 86351
Web: Link

Sorelle Vineyard 5BR by Casago

Located in Cornville, this vacation home is within a 15-minute drive of Verde Santa Fe Golf Club and Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 9370 E Bella Sorelle Way, Cornville, Arizona 86325
Web: Link