EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPES. ENDURING STORIES.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

A cliff-built community above the valley
Arizona
Scenic header: Montezuma Castle was built in an alcove about 90 feet up a cliff. This protects the dwelling from flooding. · NPS Photo/Sharlot Hart · Photo credits
TAKE TIME TO DISCOVER

A cliff-built community above the valley

A finely preserved cliff dwelling overlooks the Verde Valley. The nearby Montezuma Well unit offers a separate landscape and a related story of water, agriculture and community.

A 5-story masonry dwelling sits in a cliff alcove.
Montezuma Castle was built in an alcove about 90 feet up a cliff. This protects the dwelling from flooding.
NPS Photo/Sharlot Hart · Photo credits
Sun shines on the window sill in a masonry wall; trees in fall color are seen outside the window.
Visitors to Montezuma Castle usually only get to see the dwelling from the outside. This view shows what the Sinagua might have seen.
NPS Photo · Photo credits
BUILD A MEMORABLE VISIT

What to explore

  • 01Castle viewing trail
  • 02Visitor-center exhibits
  • 03Montezuma Well unit

Before you go

The cliff dwelling is viewed from below and cannot be entered. Allow separate travel time for Montezuma Well.

Give the place time

Choose a manageable walk, viewpoint or tour, and allow time for interpretation. Gateway areas help orient the visit; they are not exact entrance directions.

Make the details easy

Confirm the specific facilities, walking surfaces and vehicle access your group needs. Tours, transport and special access may require separate arrangements.

Official visitor information ↗Plan your visit →

Check the official source for current access, hours, fees, reservations, permits and alerts. Photos may show earlier conditions. Suggested highlights are visit ideas, not a guarantee that every area is currently open.