Montezuma Castle & Tuzigoot National Monuments
PO Box 219
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
928-567-5276
nps.gov/moca & nps.gov/tuzi
Special Use Permits
928-649-6195 ext. 229
Educational Fee Waivers
928-567-3322 ext. 224
AUTHORITY
Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements, and other Restrictions and/or Specifications Imposed Under the Discretionary Authority of the Superintendent, Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1.
Under the authority of 16 USC, Section3, and Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, Parts 1 or 7, this Compendium of Superintendent’s Orders is established for Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments. The orders listed in this compendium are a requirement of addition to those listed in Parts 1 or 7 of the Title 36 unless otherwise noted. The Specific authority for these regulatory authority procedures is found in Sections1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 of Title 36.
In addition to these regulations, the following are also provided:
required by 1.7(b), designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority shall be updated annually and made available to the public upon request.
Listing of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.
Recommended by: ___signature on file_____________________________ Date: 11/2022
Ron Sams- Chief Ranger
Approved by: ___signature on file_____________________________ Date: 11/2022
Lloyd Masayumptewa- Superintendent
Montezuma Castle National Monument: includes everything within the legislative boundaries of the Montezuma Castle Unit in Camp Verde, Arizona & the Montezuma Well Unit in Rimrock, Arizona.
Montezuma Castle Picnic Area: the area between the Beaver Creek Floodwalls and the split rail fencing. Located on the west side of the Main Parking Lot and south of the restrooms.
Montezuma Well Picnic Area: the maintained area between the bathrooms and the Horse Pasture Trail, including the two parking areas.
Horse Pasture Trail: The maintained walking trail south of the Montezuma Well Picnic Area.
Tuzigoot National Monument: includes everything within the legislative boundaries of Tuzigoot National Monument in Clarkdale, Arizona.
Tuzigoot Picnic Area: The developed picnic shelter area at the lower parking lot.
Tavasci Marsh: The low lying area between the Verde River, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Peck’s Lake, and the Tuzigoot Visitor Center.
36 CFR §1.5—VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, AND CLOSURES.
COVID-19 Amendments
Requirement of Masks (COVID-19) 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(2)
In order to protect the health and safety of NPS employees, volunteers, partners and contractors, and park visitors, superintendents must implement mask-wearing requirements for park visitors, using the authority in 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2). This authority allows superintendents to impose restrictions on activities within park areas for the maintenance of public health and safety.
Individuals over the age of two years must wear masks, except when actively eating or drinking, in the following locations:
1. All common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, rented or leased by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.
2. The following outdoor areas and activities, when others are present, where the superintendent has determined that physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained:
outdoor areas adjacent to the MOCA/TUZI visitor centers and The Well Contact Station
parking lots and picnic areas (unless actively eating)
crowded trails, picnic areas, and viewpoints
First Amendment Activities, Special Use Permitted Activities, & Research Permitted Activities
Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement. CDC guidance recognizes that masks should not be worn by children under age two or anyone who has trouble breathing. Wearing masks may be difficult for some people with sensory, cognitive, or behavioral issues. If a visitor is unable to wear a mask properly or cannot tolerate a mask, they should not wear one and may be asked to leave any location where masks are required to be worn. Visitors may be asked to lower their masks briefly for identification purposes in compliance with safety and security requirements.
General:
1. (a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:
Except by written permission of the Superintendent, access to the monuments is limited to the posted hours of operation.
Montezuma Castle National Monument and Tuzigoot National Monument (except Tavasci Marsh are of Tuzigoot) are closed from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Arizona time). (Tavasci Marsh is closed from sunset to sunrise.
Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments (except Tavasci Marsh) are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (December 25th), and New Year’s Day (January 1st).
From February 28th to May 7th, between the hours of 10am and 2pm (Arizona time), Montezuma Castle & The Well Unit are closed to vehicles and trailers which require more than one parking space. This section does not apply to commercial tour busses which are accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
(This determination was recommended in the NPS Congestion assessment of 2017 & 2018. There are limited available parking spaces, pedestrians in the traffic lanes, and a significant need to maintain free flowing traffic in cases requiring emergency response.)
2. (a)(1) In addition to the closures listed above, the Superintendent has closed all areas of Montezuma Castle and Tubigon National Monuments to visitation, except: (the following areas are open to the public
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle Unit
The Paved Portions of Montezuma Castle Rd, Beaver Creek Estates Rd, Main Parking Lot, Visitor Center, Castle Paved Touring Trail, and the Picnic Area
Montezuma Well Unit
Beaver Creek Rd, Main Touring Road, Picnic Area Road, Established Pullouts and Parking Areas, Maintained Portion of the Picnic Area, Established Horse Pasture Trail, and Paved Walkways.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot Rd, Parking Lot, Visitor Center, Paved Trails, and Established Tavasci Marsh System.
b. Camping:
i. All areas within Montezuma Castle (including the unit of Montezuma Well) & Tuzigoot National Monuments are specified as Day Use Only and are closed to all overnight camping.
c. Bicycle Use Areas/Routes:
i.Bicycles must be ridden on the right-hand side of traveled roads and travel in the same direction of travel as all other traffic.
ii.Bicycles are only permitted on paved roads, parking areas, and established trails in Tavasci Marsh which are open to the public. (see 36 CFR §4.30 – Bicycles below)
d. Segway, or similar device: When used by a person who is mobility-impaired, and as a means to access and visit Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments, a Segway, or similar device (hereafter referred to as simply “Segway”), is not considered a “motor vehicle” as described in 36 CFR § 1.4. A Segway, when operated by an individual who is mobility-impaired or disabled, as described under “Restrictions”, is permitted in all locations that a manually propelled or motorized wheelchair would be permitted. Currently this includes the Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot Visitor Centers, all accessible restrooms, the Castle Paved Touring Trail, the Paved Pueblo Touring Trail, Paved Marsh Overlook Touring Trail, Pithouse Paved Walkway, Well Paved Touring Trail, and the picnic areas at Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well. While not all these areas and trails fully meet ADA standards, most are paved, level, hard-packed dirt, and/or equipped with ramps and may be accessible to wheelchairs and Segways, although sometimes requiring assistance. The use of a Segway is limited to a walking pace of three (3) MPH maximum. A Segway will only be operated by an individual who is mobility impaired, with a legitimate need and disability, using the same guidelines for disability as those used to determine eligibility for a “handicapped parking permit” and/or the “Interagency Access Passport”. Passengers are prohibited.
e. Unmanned Aircraft: (Policy Memorandum 14-05 dated 06/19/2014)
i.Operating an unmanned aircraft above or within lands, waters, and boundaries administered by Montezuma Castle & Tuzigoot National Monuments is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Definition: Unmanned Aircraft “Unmanned Aircraft” is defined as a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
f. Weddings:
i.A Special Use Permit is required.
ii.The following areas are closed to use for weddings:
All of the Montezuma Castle Unit
All of the Montezuma Well Unit, except the picnic area, First Overlook, and Outlet
The Tuzigoot Pueblo area of Tuzigoot National Monument
g. Passenger-carrying buses are subject to the following conditions/restrictions on all park roads and parking areas within Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments:
Buses must shut down their engines when not underway, except while loading or unloading passengers. The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.
Determination: The compendium closures required to implement these interim policies are necessary to maintain public health and safety in units of the National Park System and to protect park employees, visitors, resources and values of the NPS. When proposed park uses and the protection of the park resources and values come into conflict, the protection of the resources and values must be predominant.
36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required, subject to limitations imposed by National Park Service Director’s Order 53 on Special Park Uses:
§1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
Demonstrations (See additional specific info for First Amendment activities under 36 CFR §2.51)
Athletic events
Weddings
Other special events (those activities that might impact the regular visitor to the monuments).
Commercial filming (see also §5.5)
Any event involving 25 or more people (group size will be limited to a number which is safe, manageable, and doesn’t impede other visitors from enjoying their experience).
2.5(a) Specimen collection for scientific purposes.
All scientific research involving cultural or natural resources conducted in the monuments must be associated with a research permit. Research permit requests are submitted through the Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS), a web-based application. The RPRS allows park staff to efficiently review proposed research activities and track existing permitted projects. Additionally, RPRS provides researcher accountability by facilitating a peer review process and by requiring the submission of annual reports following the acceptance of permit applications. All potential research activities, including those proposed by individuals, private institutions and employees of the National Park Service are subject to the RPRS application and permit process. No research-based activities should occur on park lands without an approved RPRS permit. Additional information on the process can be found at: https://irma.nps.gov/RPRS/
§2.12(a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
§2.12(a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51
§2.17(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means
(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft
§2.23 Special recreation activities
§2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods, or services
§2.38(a) Use, possess, store, or transport explosives or blasting agents
§2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
§2.51(a) Demonstrations involving more than 25 people
§2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising
§2.60(b) Livestock use
§2.61(a) Residing on federal lands
§4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight, and size limits
§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting, or distribution)
§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).
§5.5(a) Commercial filming that involves six or more people, requires equipment that can’t be carried at all times (except for small tripods), if outside of normal business hours, disrupts the normal flow of operations, or involves any item addressed in this document.
§5.5 (b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.
§5.6 Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads (The Superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available)
§5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.
Other parts of 36 CFR that pertain to operations at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments
Part 71 Recreation Fees
GENERAL REGULATIONS 36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
(a)(4) The collection of any wood within the monuments is prohibited.
(a)(5) Walking on, climbing, entering, ascending, descending, or traversing an archeological or cultural resource, monument, or statue, except in designated areas and under conditions established by the Superintendent, is prohibited. Walking within the Tuzigoot Ruins is permitted while on the designated paved trail.
(b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the trail tread or walkway on the following trails/walkways:
Tuzigoot Pueblo trail
Montezuma Well loop trail
Montezuma Castle loop trail
Hiking/walking off trail is prohibited.
Guided walks off trail with a Ranger are permitted.
(c)(1), (c)(2) The following fruits, nuts, or berries may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, in reasonable quantities. These natural products may be collected without negatively affecting the growth and replenishment of the producing plant.
None
Determination: The unrestricted collection of native fruits, berries, nuts, and fruiting bodies could adversely impact plant propagation and/or wildlife food sources. Native Americans may collect traditional botanical items for personal use (edible and medicinal).
36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION
(a) through (c) and (e) through (g)
Taking, hunting, trapping, calling, harassing, feeding, disturbing, and viewing with an artificial light of any wildlife is prohibited.
(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife from areas adjacent to the monuments through the monuments on County roads is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
Persons transporting will have in their possession a valid State hunting license.
All lawfully taken wildlife must be tagged and marked appropriately as required by State laws while being transported through the monuments.
Animal carcasses will be subject to inspection at any time by an authorized person.
Determination: The Park does not wish to impede those who have been hunting legally outside of the park nor impede the transportation of legally taken game. The transportation of game through the Park, which is closed to hunting, however, can elicit visitor complaints and could cause confusion with the Park’s no-hunting regulation. Law enforcement park rangers are authorized to check hunters transporting game to ensure wildlife was not taken illegally within the Park boundaries.
Determination: The viewing of wildlife at night with the use of artificial lights temporarily blinds animals, which causes them to become unnatural prey for natural predators and poachers. Poaching is a potential problem within the park.
Determination: Intentional disturbing of wildlife may adversely affect wildlife behavior (i.e., breeding and mating rituals, feeding habits, travel patterns/routes) possibly causing stressful and/or disruptive conditions for wildlife. Intentional disturbance by humans directly conflicts with the National Park Service’s Mission Statement and is unnatural. Using calls can cause wildlife to leave foraging and mating areas and attract them to roads where they are more likely to become injured or killed. They may also become unnatural prey if artificially attracted out of cover.
36 CFR §2.3 – FISHING
Fishing is prohibited within the boundaries of Montezuma Castle (including the unit of Montezuma Well) & Tuzigoot National Monuments.
36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE
Camping is prohibited within the boundaries of Montezuma Castle (including the unit of Montezuma Well) & Tuzigoot National Monuments.
36 CFR 2.11 – PICNICKING
Picnicking is only permitted in the designated picnic areas:
At the Montezuma Castle Unit, the area south of the Visitor Center, between the wood fence and the gabions at Beaver Creek.. The total capacity has been set to a maximum of 30 people. (see also Special Use Permit requirements above)
At the Montezuma Well Unit, the manicured grass area located at the end of the Picnic Area road. The total capacity has been set to a maximum of 50 people. (see also Special Use Permit requirements above)
At Tuzigoot National Monument, the picnic area shelters between the upper and lower parking areas. The capacity has been set to a maximum of six people per table; total capacity 18 people. (see also Special Use Permit requirements above)
36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES
(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
Established Conditions for Fires: Liquid stove fuel (including propane/butane and other pressurized fuel in gas form) is the only fuel permitted, and is to be used for cooking only. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited. Steps must be taken to prevent creating a safety hazard or causing damage to government property.
Designated Areas: Approved fires may be used in the designated picnic areas only. The use of fire in the parking areas is prohibited.
Receptacles Allowed: Liquid fuel stoves/grills and other non-residue producing fire systems are permitted. Open and/or ground fires are prohibited.
(c) High fire danger closures will be in effect as noted:
In certain periods of the year the Superintendent may impose fire closures under high fire danger notices.
Determination: The use of fires in the Park is regulated to protect structures, natural resources and the public. During extreme weather conditions, open fires may be restricted to prevent the accidental ignition of wildfires. Section 2.13(b) does not apply to planned ignitions by park management or wildfires determined by the Superintendent to be allowed to burn for resource benefit.
36 CFR §2.15 – PETS
(a)(1) The Superintendent has authorized pet owners, who are in compliance with all other listed regulations, to have a pet on paved roads which are open to the public, established trails, picnic areas, parking lots, in the Horse Pasture at Montezuma Well, and at Tavasci Marsh.
Pets are prohibited, unless being carried, in the visitor centers, contact stations, and restrooms.
An exception to this regulation is granted for service dogs accompanying persons with disabilities, regardless of the disability requiring the use of a service dog.
(a)(2) Failing to crate, cage, restrain on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times.
(a)(3) Pets are not to be left tied and/or unattended at any location within the monuments.
(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
All pet excrement must be removed by the owner/keeper from all trails, roads, picnic areas, and parking areas, and shall be deposited in provided refuse containers or removed from the area.
(e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:
Montezuma Castle (including the unit of Montezuma Well) and Tuzigoot National Monuments employees residing in government quarters may keep pets in accordance with the current NPS, MOCA/TUZI and VIP Housing Management Plans.
(f) This restriction does not apply to animals used by authorized Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.
36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS
There are no designated horse trails within Montezuma Castle National Monument (including the unit of Montezuma Well).
There is one designated horse trail at Tuzigoot National Monument.
Tavasci Marsh: paralleling the Verde River and connecting the Verde Greenway to the west with Dead Horse State Park on the east.
(g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
In order to protect public health and safety, horses and pack animals are prohibited in all other areas of the monuments, unless otherwise permitted by the Superintendent.
These conditions do not apply to the use of horses by authorized government officials and public safety-related operations such as search and rescue.
Determination: All of Montezuma Castle National Monument and most of Tuzigoot National Monument is closed to private horse or pack animal use. Archeological and historical sites are easily damaged by livestock and require special protection.
36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES
There are no designated skating areas within the monuments.
(a)(1)The following portions of the Monuments are closed to smoking & ENDS:
Within all government buildings, facilities, and vehicles.
Within 20’ of any public use or government building.
Montezuma Castle: everywhere except the designated smoking area near the flagpole and the parking lot.
Tuzigoot: Tuzigoot Pueblo Trail
Montezuma Well Unit: Montezuma Well Overlook, Swallett, and OutletTrails.
Determination: There is no scientific evidence to conclude that ENDS are safer than smoking. The nicotine used in these devices is a highly addictive drug. Available research on ENDS indicates that vaping liquids and their emissions contain more than just nicotine, including aerosolized flavorings, propylene glycol, formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), and other contaminants. The health effects of ENDS have not been thoroughly studied and are not well understood. The FDA has not approved ENDS as a smoking cessation device.
E-Cigarettes or Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) are prohibited in all areas that tobacco smoking is not allowed. E-Cigarettes or ENDS will be treated as one in the same.
36 CFR §2.23 – RECREATION FEES
(b) Recreation fees, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment, or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events, or specialized recreation uses:
Entrance Fee Areas: Montezuma Castle Unit and Tuzigoot National Monument:
$10 per person, age 16 and older, for entrance to both units
There is no charge for entrance into the Montezuma Well Unit.
$35 annual park specific pass, valid for one year from date of purchase
(c) The collection of recreation fees will be suspended during the following periods:
As designated by the Director of the National Park Service, or by the park Superintendent as necessary.
36 CFR §2.35 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
The consumption of an alcoholic beverage or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage is prohibited.
This prohibition does not include the government-owned residential areas by authorized residents and their guests.
In accordance with all applicable local, State, and Federal law, incidents of aberrant behavior related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances will be diligently investigated and managed in order to alleviate problems related to such illegal conduct. The rules and regulations regarding its use will be strictly enforced in order to best protect the public and the resources of the area. Specific regulations exist regarding alcoholic beverages in the Code of Federal Regulations. These include, but are not limited to: being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances to a degree that may endanger oneself, another person, or property (36 CFR
§2.35), the possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21 years of age (36 CFR §2.35), possessing an open container of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle (36 CFR §4.14), and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (36 CFR §4.23).
Determination: Closing these areas to the consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages is for public safety concerns and the orderly management of the facilities.
36 CFR §2.37 – NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING
The solicitation or demand for gifts, money, goods or services requires a permit under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52, and is subject to the terms and conditions specified therein.
36 CFR § 2.50 SPECIAL EVENTS
(a) The following areas within Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments are closed to special events.
All maintenance/residential areas
All archeological sites
The following areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis for approval by the Superintendent:
Parking lots and adjacent sidewalks
Visitor Center and contact station complexes
Interpretive Trails
Picnic areas
(b) Special event applications involving Native American traditional activities will be considered according to National Park Service policy, based on the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Public Law 95-341. The National Park Service policy issued in March 1988 will be utilized as needed.
36 CFR § 2.51 DEMONSTRATIONS
Public assemblies and meetings are allowed by permit only in the following areas:
Montezuma Castle National Monument:
Montezuma Castle Unit: (See Appendix A)
In front of the Montezuma Castle Visitor Center, an area one-half the width of the sidewalk between the picnic area access trail and the first refuse container, directly in front of the administrative access road, approximately 8’ deep by 10’ wide. The area available may be extended up to 30’ behind the 12”x12” barrier beam and down the administrative access road. If utilizing this extended area, Permittees must stay on the uphill side of the split rail fencing along the south side and not encroach on the vegetation to the north.
Montezuma Castle Picnic Area, west half, an area approximately 30’x30’. Permittees will not cross over the split rail fence delineating the west end and/or north edge of the picnic area, nor will they encroach upon the gabion along the south edge.
At the Montezuma Well Unit, (See Appendix B)
An area located in the main parking area adjacent to the main trail to the Well on the opposite side of the trail from the Contact Station, approximately 20’ wide x 15’ deep (approximately 2-3 diagonal parking stalls). The exact location in parking lot may be adjusted as necessary due to other circumstances and/or previous use by vehicles.
Montezuma Well Picnic Area, north end, adjacent to the dirt turn-around, an area approximately 50’x50’.
Tuzigoot National Monument: (See Appendix C)
An area approximately 20’ long x 50’ deep, located adjacent to the paved sidewalk leading to the Tuzigoot Ruin trail, to the south of the Visitor Center and east of the paved sidewalk, and within the administrative access road leading from the entrance road to the historic garage.
Picnic area north of the restrooms
Lower parking lot, northwest corner, limited to the area marked as parking spaces. Traffic flow through the lot must be maintained.
Persons participating in these public assemblies and meetings will not approach vehicles or inhibit the flow of pedestrian and/or vehicle traffic through the adjacent areas.
Not all of these sites may be available at any given time due to other scheduled or unscheduled park functions or events.
**NOTE: As of Oct. 5, 2010, 36 CFR §2.51(b) was added. This states that a small group, defined as 25 people or less, is not required to obtain a permit prior to exercising their First Amendment Rights to Free Speech. However, they are still required to use the designated areas, as described above and shown on the attached maps (Appendix A, B, and C), and obey all rules and regulations regarding public assemblies and meetings. Other 36 CFR sections affected by and pertinent to this change include 2.22-Property, 2.31-Trespassing, Tampering, and Vandalism, 2.32-Interfering with Agency Functions, and 2.34-Disorderly Conduct.
36 CFR §2.52 – SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER
Sale or distribution of printed materials is allowed by permit only in designated areas. Vehicles may not be approached.
See descriptions of permitted areas under 36 CFR § 2.51 DEMONSTRATIONS, and in Appendices A, B, and C.
36 CFR §2.60 – LIVESTOCK USE AND AGRICULTURE
(a) Absent a permit, the running-at-large, herding, driving across, allowing on, pasturing or grazing of livestock of any kind in a park area for agricultural purposes is prohibited. Additionally, a permit can only be issued in the following circumstances:
(a)(1) As specifically authorized by Federal statutory law; or
(a)(2) As required under a reservation of use of rights arising from acquisition of a tract of land; or
(a)(3) As designated, when conducted as a necessary and integral part of a recreational activity or required in order to maintain a historic scene.
36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION
Authorization from the Director of the National Park Service is required to install a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other commemorative installation in a park area.
Memorialization (burial or scattering ashes from human remains) is prohibited.
36 CFR §3.16; §1.5 & 1.7 – SWIMMING AND BATHING
All areas within the boundaries of Montezuma Castle (including the unit of Montezuma Well) and Tuzigoot National Monuments are closed to swimming.
36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS
(b) The maximum speed limits on all public roads within the monument areas are posted. The Superintendent can reduce limits for public safety as conditions require. The following speed limits are established and posted for the routes/roads indicated:
Montezuma Castle Highway: 35 MPH, 25MPH, 15MPH, and 10MPH. The speed limit is posted with standard speed limit signs and decreases gradually as one is traveling towards the visitor center parking lot and the housing area road.
Montezuma Well Unit entrance road: 15 MPH
Tuzigoot Road (Tuzigoot entrance road)
From Old Hwy 89A to Sycamore Canyon Road: 25 MPH
From Sycamore Canyon Road to just after the curve below the peublo: 35 MPH
Below the pueblo approaching the main entrance gate: 25 MPH
About 1/10 mile before the main entrance gate, parking lots, housing areas, and maintenance areas: 15 MPH
36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES & E-BIKES
(a) Bicycles are allowed on all paved roads which are open to public and must obey traffic laws.
(b) There are no designated bike lanes, paths, or trails within the boundaries of Montezuma Castle (Montezuma Well Unit).
(c) Bicycles are permitted on the established trails within Tavasci Marsh and are posted with universal bike signage.
(d) E-Bikes: The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.). E-bikes are allowed in the areas of Montezuma Castle & Tuzigoot National Monuments where traditional bicycles are allowed and are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. See sections a, b, and c above. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited. A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5). Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Montezuma Castle & Tuzigoot National Monuments is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of Federal or State law is prohibited.
36 CFR §4.31 – HITCHIKING
Hitchhiking is prohibited within the boundaries of Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments.
Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments operate CCTV in accordance with the National Park Service’s CCTV Policy, RM-9 Chapter 26.
First Amendment Locations at Montezuma Castle NM
NPS Photo
APPENDIX A—Montezuma Castle National Monument, Montezuma Castle Unit
First Amendment designated locations for SMALL GROUPS and/or Distribution of Printed Materials at the Montezuma Castle Visitor Center area. Described as:
At the Montezuma Castle parking lot, the administrative access road, and picnic area entrance trail. An area one-half the width of the sidewalk.
Traffic flow must be maintained.
Montezuma Castle Picnic Area, west half, an area approximately 30’x30’. Permittees will not cross over the split rail fence delineating the west end and/or north edge of the picnic area, nor will they encroach upon the gabion along the south edge.
Traffic flow must be maintained.
First Amendment Locations at Montezuma Well
NPS Photo
APPENDIX B—Montezuma Castle National Monument, Montezuma Well Unit
First Amendment designated locations for SMALL GROUPS and/or Distribution of Printed Materials at Montezuma Well Unit area. Described as:
The first two parking spaces in the main parking area, across from the Contact Station.
Traffic flow must be maintained.
Montezuma Well Picnic Area, The paved area between the last marked parking space and the dirt turn-around.
Traffic flow must be maintained.
First Amendment Locations at Tuzigoot NM
NPS Photo
APPENDIX C—Tuzigoot National Monument
First Amendment designated locations for SMALL GROUPS and/or Distribution of Printed Materials at Tuzigoot National Monument area. Described as:
A parallel parking space in the upper parking lot. This parking space is across from the Visitor Center and left of the lower parking lot stairs as looking back at the VC.
Traffic flow must be maintained.
The southeast corner, limited to the area marked as diagonal lines and a parking space.
Traffic flow must be maintained.
Within 36 CFR, park superintendents are granted the right to make park-specific regulations to maintain public health and safety, protect environmental or scenic values, protect natural and cultural resources, aid in scientific research, provide for equitable use of facilities, and avoid conflict among visitor use activities.
