Montezuma Castle National Monument

The Basics

Many visitors tour Montezuma Castle in Camp Verde on a day trip from Phoenix, Sedona, or Flagstaff. In addition to the ruins themselves, tourists should set aside a few hours to explore the museum, walk the scenic trails, and have lunch along the shore of Beaver Creek. Visitors can focus on the castle and nearby Montezuma Well, or opt for a guided tour to five Arizona national monuments in a single day, including Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well, Tuzigoot, Wupatki, and Sunset Crater National Monuments.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Visit the castle on its own or bundled with other national monuments.

• Dogs are welcome on park trails but must remain on leash.

• The park visitor center and much of the paved trail at the castle are wheelchair accessible.

• Montezuma Castle is at a high elevation in a dry climate—bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

How to Get There

Montezuma Castle National Monument is located in Northern Arizona off I-17, exit 289 (about 90 minutes north of Phoenix and 45 minutes south of Flagstaff).

When to Get There

The national monument is open daily throughout the year, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day. During the hot summer months, plan your visit in the early morning or early evening.

Montezuma Well

Just a few miles from the cliff dwelling sits another archaeological site worth visiting, Montezuma Well. This limestone sinkhole is believed to be the remains of the Sinagua’s irrigation system. A half-mile paved trail winds through the site, and it’s an excellent spot to observe local wildlife such as whitetail deer, muskrats, rock squirrels, and some 100 species of birds.

What is Montezuma Castle National Monument?

The Montezuma Castle National Monument in Camp Verde, Arizona, is a well-preserved ruin of the Sinagua Indians that served as multifamily dwellings. The ruins are neat to see as they are built into the side of a cliff, and the monument has a visitor center and a picnic area.

Why is it called Montezuma Castle?

Montezuma is the name of an Aztec ruler, and the Europeans who settled in the area thought the ruins were from the Aztecs (they were wrong). Castle came from the idea that the ruins were built into a cliff overlooking the area—like a castle.

How much does it cost to visit Montezuma Castle National Monument?

It costs US$10 for adults to visit Arizona’s Montezuma Castle National Monument; children 15 and younger are free. The entrance fee for adults gives you access to the Tuzigoot National Monument and allows you to visit both attractions for up to seven days.

How long should I spend at Montezuma Castle?

You should carve out at least an hour at the Montezuma Castle National Monument—plan for longer if you don’t want to feel rushed. You can spend a good amount of time at the visitor center. The walk to the monument is easy and takes about 10 minutes.

Are there guided tours available at Montezuma Castle?

Yes, there are ranger-led programs at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Most of the available private tours combine a visit to the castle with other nearby areas in Arizona, such as Jerome and Sedona. It's often possible to book tours that visit nearby Tuzigoot National Monument, too.

What should I bring when visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument?

Like most anywhere else you would visit in Arizona, you should bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water when you visit Montezuma Castle National Monument. The monument is at a high elevation in a dry climate area, so it’s hot (especially in summer), and staying hydrated is a must.

Ways to explore

Many visitors tour Montezuma Castle on a day trip from Phoenix, Sedona, or Flagstaff. In addition to the ruins themselves, tourists should set aside a few hours to explore the museum, walk or hike the nature trails, and wander along the shore of Beaver Creek. It’s best to book tickets in advance; standard entry costs US$10 per ticket.

Visitors can focus on the castle and nearby Montezuma Well (which is free to enter), or opt for a guided tour that includes visits to Sedona or other national monuments in Arizona.

Accessibility

Parts of Montezuma Castle are wheelchair accessible. Service dogs are allowed, and you should plan to contact the park at least two weeks ahead of your visit if you require a sign language interpreter.

Age limits

Children under 16 can enter for free.

What to pack

Hat, sunscreen, water, snacks

What to wear

Loose clothing, walking shoes, layers if you’re visiting at night (it can get chilly in the desert after dark)

Not allowed

Harming or handling rattlesnakes and other park wildlife, drones, sitting or climbing on dwellings/structures

Amenities

Restrooms, visitor center, marked hiking and walking trails

Address 

Montezuma Castle is in Camp Verde, Arizona, approximately 90 minutes north of Phoenix and 40 minutes south of Sedona. The best way to arrive is by car, as there are no public transportation options available.

Driving

From Phoenix, take I-17 north to exit 289. Drive east for about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers), then take a left onto Montezuma Castle Road. The parking lot and visitor center are 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) from the park’s entrance.

Public transportation

If you do not have a car, you will need to book a guided tour to Montezuma Castle National Monument—most include round-trip transportation from Phoenix or other nearby destinations.

Best times to visit

It’s best to visit Montezuma Castle in the morning to beat the heat, strong sun, and crowds.

Best days to visit

Montezuma Castle is open daily, but it’s better to go on a weekday for a quieter experience. The attraction is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Best months to visit

Due to extreme Arizona heat and the possibility of flash flooding, it’s best to avoid the summer months (May to September). Instead, visit between October and April for more pleasant weather.