Montezuma Castle National Monument in Pictures
Montezuma Castle National Monument preserves the ancient cliff dwellings of the Sinagua peoples that lived in this area around 1050. The main dwelling consists of a remarkable 20-room building carved right into the limestone cliff.
Its sister park, Tuzigoot National Monument, along with Montezuma Castle, protects areas that are known to have been inhabited by the Southern Sinagua group. The Northern Sinagua, who lived near modern-day Flagstaff, built their own dwellings which are now part of Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments. 
Archeological evidence found at the site includes pottery, fabrics, jewelry, tools, and basketry. Many of these things are on display in the small museum at the Visitor Center.
Although tourists are no longer allowed in the Castle, you can still marvel at the ingenuity of the Sinaguan people and explore the museum’s artifacts. The trail around the park is paved, accessible, and mostly shaded. It’s a short walk to tour the park and will only take an hour or so.
Things to see and do at Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Take the short hike to view the Castle
- Enjoy a Ranger Program
- Picnicking
- Photography
- Wildlife spotting
- Visit Tuzigoot National Monument – about 40 minutes away. Your entrance fee covers both parks!
Montezuma Castle National Monument Hours
Montezuma Castle National Monument is open every day except for Christmas Day and New Years Day. The Visitor Center is typically open from 8 am-4:45 pm.
Directions to Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument is located off Interstate 17 at exit 289, north of Phoenix by about 90 minutes and south of Flagstaff by about 45 minutes.
Montezuma Castle National Monument Park Stats
Date created: 1906
Annual Visitors: ~360,000 in 2021
Fun Fact: Montezuma Castle was one of four National Monuments originally preserved by President Theodore Roosevelt by use of the Antiquities Act in 1906. This makes it one of America’s oldest National Park sites.
Visitor Centers and Passport Stamps
Inside the Visitor Center you’ll find Passport Stamps, as well as a small gift shop. Brochures and maps are also available. Remember, your $10 admission fee is good at both Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments for 7 days. Annual Park Pass holders get into the park free of charge.
Other NPS Sites Near Montezuma Castle
Tuzigoot, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments are the closest NPS sites to Montezuma Castle. Other nearby parks include Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Grand Canyon National Park to the North, Petrified Forest National Park to the east, and Tonto and Casa Grande Ruins National Monuments to the south.
Be sure to read about all of Arizona's National Parks here.
Have you visited Montezuma Castle National Monument?
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