Accessibility

The trail at Montezuma Castle is fully accessible.

NPS Photo

If you are planning to attend a park event and need a sign language interpreter, please contact the park at least two weeks ahead of your visit.

The parks do not have wheelchairs to offer while visiting these sites. Please plan to bring whatever mobility aids you will need to enjoy your visit.

Service Animals

Service animals, dogs that are specifically trained to assist people with disabilities, are permitted in all buildings and on all trails. Emotional support animals are not service animals. Leashed pets are also permitted on all trails, but may only be in the visitor center if they are being carried. Dog boots are highly recommended at these sites in the summer.

Montezuma Castle

The visitor center and the 0.3 mile loop trail around the site are both wheelchair and stroller accessible. The trail is fully paved with minimal elevation change. Montezuma Castle itself is located about 100 yards (91 m) from the visitor center along the trail. With plenty of seating around the entire trail with some shade, this makes sure everyone can enjoy this amazing site.

The spur trail to view Castle A features a slight grade that may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

To contact the park with accessibility questions or requests, please email the park or contact the visitor center during business hours at [phone].

 

The Well overlook area above Montezuma Well features large slabs of undeveloped stone and uneven footing.

NPS Photo

Montezuma Well

The trails at Montezuma Well, a separate unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument, are challenging for wheelchairs and strollers. Some areas of the site are very difficult or impossible for some people to visit. There are a total of four trails at the Well:

1. Main Well Loop Trail:
   This moderate 0.3 mile loop begins and ends at the Well parking lot and includes 54 stairs along the loop. 43 of these stairs ascend from the ranger station to the Well overlook. The overlook is undeveloped stone and features steps up to two feet (61 cm) in height out to the railing where the interpretive signs are placed. Footing is uneven at the overlook. Stairs must be used either direction along the loop to view the Well. Parts of the trail, especially the overlook, may be icy or wet and slippery depending on the time of the year.
   A 175 yard (160 m) portion of the trail between the restrooms and the stairs down to the Outlet Trail is mostly flat with a small change in elevation and may be accessed by wheelchair or stroller. Visitors must remain on the paved trail at all times.
2. Swallet Trail:
   116 stairs descend about 80 feet from the Well overlook into the Well. From this trail, visitors can look into a cave that holds dwellings built by the Hisatsinom, or Sinagua people. This spur trail is 150 yards (137 m) long. There are no handrails along the stairs. Parts of the trail may be icy or wet and slippery depending on the time of the year.
3. Outlet Trail:
   49 stairs descend from the main loop to the creek's edge where the water rushes out of the cliff from the Well though a prehistoric irrigation canal. This spur trail is 85 yards long (78 m). There are no handrails along the stairs. Parts of the trail may be icy or wet and slippery depending on the time of the year.
4. Pasture Trail:
   Located at the back of the Montezuma Well picnic area. While this easy 0.58 mile (0.9 km) trail is flat, it is not paved. Half of the trail consists of woodchips while the other half is dirt and compacted mud. It is not accessible for wheelchairs, however, a large-wheeled stroller may be able to make the journey.

 

Interagency Access Pass

Photo by Steven Koehler

Access Pass

The Interagency Access Pass provides free entrance to all National Park Service sites and other benefits for US citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Obtain an Access Pass from the Montezuma Castle visitor center. Learn more about the Access Pass.