Montezuma Castle National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: Arizona
📘 Park Overview
Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a story of ingenuity, survival and ultimately, prosperity in an unforgiving desert landscape.
🌤 Weather Information
Summer: Hot. Temperatures range from 95°F (35°C) to 115°F (46°C). Nighttime temperatures can be much cooler, around 70°F (21°C). From late June through early August, heavy rains called monsoons are common in the afternoons. Winter: Cool. Highs average around 55°F (13°C); lows may be in the teens (-10°C). Snow is rare, but possible. For detailed information, visit the National Weather Service: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.61151944900047&lon=-111.8389592099997#.Vi_FZX6rSUk
🚗 Directions
Montezuma Castle: Follow I-17 to exit 289 (90 minutes north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of Flagstaff). Drive east (through two traffic circles) for approximately 1/2 mile to the blinking red light. Turn left onto Montezuma Castle Road. Montezuma Well: Follow I-17 to exit 293 (north of the exit for Montezuma Castle). Continue through the towns of McGuireville and Rimrock, following the signs for 4 miles to the entrance to the Well.
Images
Montezuma Castle was built in an alcove about 90 feet up a cliff. This protects the dwelling from flooding.
Credit: NPS Photo/Sharlot Hart
Visitors to Montezuma Castle usually only get to see the dwelling from the outside. This view shows what the Sinagua might have seen.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Sinagua used space efficiently - here a storage room sits in a short cliff space below the main Castle.
Credit: NPS Photo
Montezuma Well provided a stable source of water to the Sinagua.
Credit: NPS Photo/Greg Webb
From the overlook, visitors can view some of the dwellings alongside Montezuma Well.
Credit: NPS Photo / Lauren Reid
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, Apr 17
Sunny
High: 82°F | Low: 54.7°F
Humidity: 17%
Wind: 6.5 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 2
Sunrise: 05:53 AM
Sunset: 07:01 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 50.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Apr 18
Sunny
High: 81.5°F | Low: 35.6°F
Humidity: 14%
Wind: 11 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 2.1
Sunrise: 05:52 AM
Sunset: 07:02 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (1%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 44.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Apr 19
Partly Cloudy
High: 81.3°F | Low: 44.8°F
Humidity: 22%
Wind: 16.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 2
Sunrise: 05:51 AM
Sunset: 07:03 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (3%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 48.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Ranger Talk
Learn about Montezuma Castle with a ranger daily at 11 am and 1 pm. Topics of discussion vary.
Location: Meet at the amphitheater seating area, located about 100 yards (91 meters) from the visitor center along the loop trail.
Date: Mar 2, 2026 12:00am to May 31, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Archeology Insights
Join Us for a Conversation in Archeology! Saturday March 7th at 11 am. Discover archaeological insights of Montezuma Castle in this engaging presentation, highlighting Sinagua period construction techniques and settlement organization in the Verde Valley. Park Archeologist Lucas Hoedl will examine architectural features, material culture, and landscape context to show how residents built a lasting, multi‑room cliff dwelling while sustaining agriculture and regional trade. Learn about recent research and preservation efforts, exploring how legacy data and modern conservation practices guide ongoing stewardship of this remarkably preserved site.
Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
The Life of Sallie Pierce Harris
Join us as we explore the remarkable legacy of Sallie Pierce Harris, a pioneering force in National Park Service archeology, anthropology, and interpretation. Saturday March 14th at 11 am. From her early work at what is now Chaco Culture National Historical Park to her influential roles at Casa Grande Ruins, Montezuma Castle, Navajo, Tumacácori, and Wupatki, Sallie helped shape the foundation of cultural resource stewardship across the Southwest. This presentation celebrates her life, her trailblazing career, and the lasting impact she made on the parks, the profession, and the generations who followed.
Date: Mar 14, 2026 12:00am to Mar 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Teddy Roosevelt Living Historian
Join Us for a First-Person Historian Experience! Step back in time with an engaging presentation by Kurt Skinner as President Theodore Roosevelt. Hear Roosevelt himself speak about his enduring influence on America’s parks and monuments, with special highlights on Montezuma Castle, the Antiquities Act, and his legendary service with the Rough Riders. This lively, first-person portrayal brings history to life—perfect for visitors of all ages!
Date: Mar 21, 2026 12:00am to Mar 21, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ryon Polequaptewa Live Performance
Join us at Montezuma Castle on March 28th-29th 10am-2pm for a live concert of blessing and prayers, along with dancers. You will have the opportunity to view Ryon's Hopi Katsinas that are available to visitors during this time. See you there!
Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 29, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Cultural Demonstrators and Artists on Site
During the weekend in April and May, artists and cultural demonstrators from various tribes across the southwest will be on site at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot to share their skills and work with the public.
These events are made possible with funding from our partners at Western National Parks.
Date: Apr 11, 2026 12:00am to May 30, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Cultural Demonstrators and Artists on Site
During the weekend in April and May, artists and cultural demonstrators from various tribes across the southwest will be on site at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot to share their skills and work with the public.
These events are made possible with funding from our partners at Western National Parks.
Date: Apr 26, 2026 12:00am to Apr 26, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Cultural Demonstrators and Artists on Site
During the weekend in April and May, artists and cultural demonstrators from various tribes across the southwest will be on site at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot to share their skills and work with the public.
These events are made possible with funding from our partners at Western National Parks.
Date: May 24, 2026 12:00am to May 24, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Cultural Demonstrators and Artists on Site
During the weekend in April and May, artists and cultural demonstrators from various tribes across the southwest will be on site at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot to share their skills and work with the public.
These events are made possible with funding from our partners at Western National Parks.
Date: May 31, 2026 12:00am to May 31, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talk
Learn about Montezuma Castle with a Ranger talk.
Location: Meet at the amphitheater seating are, located 100 yards from the visitor center along the loop trail.
Date: Jun 1, 2026 12:00am to Aug 31, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
2800 Montezuma Castle Road
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
🏤 Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 219
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
📞 Voice Phone: 9285673322
✉️ Email: moca_tuzi_info@nps.gov