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Montezuma Castle National Monument is a must-see place if you’re traveling in Arizona. These ancient cliff dwellings are so incredible and it’s a great opportunity for kids and adults to learn more about the cultures and people that lived here.

On December 8, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt declared four sites of historic and cultural significance as our nation’s first National Monuments. Among these was Montezuma Castle.

Montezuma Castle is one of the best-preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings in North America. It’s worth the visit.

About the National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument is a unique park because it’s split into two main areas separated by about a 15-minute drive (10 miles).

There’s the Montezuma Castle area and the Montezuma Well area of the park. Many visitors arrive at one or the other, not realizing that they’re separated.

See the map below:

I visited both in one day without a problem.

We went to the well in the morning and the castle in the afternoon. Both are worth the visit!

Entrance Fee:

• $10 per adult. Anyone who is age 15 or younger is free.

Where is Montezuma Castle National Monument?

Montezuma Castle National Monument is pretty much right in the center of Arizona.

It’s about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix and about 50 minutes south of Flagstaff.

The national monument is easily accessed. It’s just a few minutes off of I-17, making it a great stop along a larger road trip or weekend adventure.

Montezuma Castle Visitor Center & Trail:

• Hours: Open daily 8 am – 5 pm (Last Vehicle Entry at 4:45) The park is open seven days a week with the exception of Christmas Day and New Years Day. The park closes at 2:00 pm on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Montezuma Well:

• Trail Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Last vehicle entry at 4:45) The park is open seven days a week with the exception of Christmas Day and New Years Day. The park closes at 2:00 pm on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
• Picnic Area Hours: 8 am – 4 pm

Best Time of Year to Visit:

The park is open year-round. I visited in late March and the weather was great!

The summer months get very hot (around 100°F), while the winter months tend to have an average temp of around 60°F.

Always check the weather before your trip and plan accordingly.

Montezuma Well

About Montezuma Well Animals

I really didn’t know what to expect when visiting Montezuma Well.

As it turns out, this place is very beautiful and it was fascinating to learn about how the water affected the land, animal life, and humans who lived here.

The water contains arsenic and high amounts of carbon dioxide, which is why no fish can live in it.

Since there are no fish, five species have evolved here that exist nowhere else on the planet, one of which is the water scorpion!

Home for Many Cultures

From the Montezuma Well overlook, you can see evidence of permanent settlements built into the rocks. It’s so incredible to imagine people living here.

One of the cultures to build homes here was probably the Hohokam.

Where the water leaves the Well and flows out of the narrow cave, these early farmers channeled it a thousand years ago (think about that!) into a canal that ran for miles and irrigated acres of corn, beans, and squash.

By the 1100s, the people of the Sinagua culture began building small dwellings in the cliffs around the Well. Over time, they built more than 30 rooms along the rim.

The Hopi, Zuni, and Yavapai all recount oral histories of their ancestors living here.

Montezuma Well Trail and Visiting Tips

There are 2 parking areas at the Montezuma Well section of the park.

One is the picnic area. It’s a great place to have a picnic and marvel at the irrigation system.

The other parking area is where you’ll find visitor information and start the walk to the well.

Just 80 yards past the visitors center and up a short hill you’ll reach the Well overlook. The 1/3 mile trail will bring you in a circle back to the car.

Along the way, there are plenty of signs to read and learn more about how the plants and land were used.

There’s a short out and back trail that branches off the main loop and will take you down to the well and give you a closer look at one of the dwellings.

Be aware of snakes as your hiking around.

Montezuma Castle

The Montezuma Castle was one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen. I was blown away by how big and high it was on the rock. Just incredible.

The Sinagua were the group of people who lived in the dwellings at Montezuma Castle.

Although people were living in the area much earlier, it is estimated that the Sinagua began building permanent living structures (the dwellings you see at the monument) in the early 1100s.

Montezuma Castle is five stories tall, has 20 rooms, and covers 3,500 square feet of floor space. Its alcove is about 35 feet deep.

After becoming a national monument, it quickly became a destination for America’s first car-bound tourists.

Early visitors to the monument were allowed access to the structure by climbing a series of ladders up the side of the limestone cliffs. You can see some really cool historic photos of that time here.

Due to extensive damage, public access into the ruins was discontinued in 1951.

When you get to the Montezuma Castle parking area, the castle itself is just a short 2-minute walk from the car.

You can then follow the 1/3 mile loop around and along the river, reading the signs and enjoying the beautiful surrounding scenery.

Common Questions

How much time do you need at Montezuma Castle?

One day is enough to see both the well and the castle. I would visit the well in the morning, then drive to the castle.

Pack a nice picnic lunch and hang out at the picnic tables within the park and enjoy the scenery for lunch.

How much does it cost to visit Montezuma Castle?

$10 per adult. Anyone who is age 15 or younger is free.

Good for unlimited entry for seven (7) days. Check here for all the different pass options and free days.

Can you use a National Parks Annual Pass?

Yes. Your national parks pass also works at national monuments.

How do you get to Montezuma Castle?

See maps and directions above.

Can you go inside Montezuma Castle?

No, you cannot go inside any of the cliff dwellings.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, leashed.

Gear Highlight

These are a few of my favorite items to pack:

Things to Do Nearby

There are so many other outdoor activities to do in the area. I stopped at Montezuma Castle along an Arizona road trip.

Below are some other places to see in the surrounding area:

• Tuzigoot National Monument – I haven’t been here yet, but after seeing Montezuma Castle, I definitely want to visit this monument on my next Arizona road trip.
• Sedona, AZ – The town of Sedona is about a 40-minute drive from Montezuma Castle National Monument. There’s a lot to see and do in Sedona, including some incredible hikes, shops, and viewpoints.
• Out of Africa Park – Ziplines and safari-like encounters with animals. I’ve never been, but if you like zoos and exotic animals, this might be a fun place to visit.
• The Crack at Wet Beaver – A beautiful day hike to a swimming hole.
• Slide Rock State Park – This state park gets its name from the 30-ft water slide naturally carved into the rocks of the creek bed. This is a fun place to go for a swim on a hot day in the desert.

I hope you make time to stop at this incredible monument.

The Montezuma Castle and Well really impressed me, and I’m so glad we decided to stop.

I really enjoyed learning about the cultural groups that built these structures and lived in the valley. I hope you do too!