Safety

Dial 9-1-1 in Emergencies

Call to report accidents, fires, or life-threatening emergencies. Cell phone coverage exists throughout most of Montezuma Castle. Cell phone service is usually spotty and unreliable at Montezuma Well.

See Suspicious Activity? Non-Emergency Issue?

Call the Montezuma Castle National Monument visitor center: 928-567-3322 ext. 0
or call ISB Tip Line 888-653-0009

Email: [e-mail]

Law and Policies for Montezuma Castle National Monument

Desert Safety

Always stay on the marked trails while visiting Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well.

 

Stay hydrated!

NPS Photo / Paul Santellan

Water

Even though our trails are short, water is a big issue in the Verde Valley. The parks are also located at about 3000 feet (914 m) in elevation, and people lose water more quickly, the higher in altitude they are.

On hot, dry, summer days, you should drink one quart (about one liter) of water per hour of hiking. Humidity in the desert is typically low, but higher near water sources like Beaver Creek. You may be dehydrated and not even realize it. Drinking water before hiking can help reduce the risk of dehydration, as well as drinking during the hike (don't wait until you feel thirsty). Remember to bring electrolytes such as salty snacks or sports drinks; electrolytes help our bodies retain water.

Heat

Know the abilities of your group and rest often. Take a note from the desert's residents and stay indoors or in the shade between 10 am and 4 pm. Summer high temperatures in the area are usually between 95°F (35°C) and 115°F (46°C). Be prepared to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses: dehydration, hyponatremia, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The CDC also has a heat-illness prevention guide.

Learn more about how to prevent heat-related illnesses while visiting the national parks.

 

A visitor to the desert wearing appropriate hiking gear.

NPS Photo

Gear

In addition to water and resting, what you wear is important for a visit to the desert. Even though Montezuma Castle and Well do not have long trails, it can get hot just walking back to your car! Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for your visit. Lightweight cotton clothing is often more comfortable than expensive gear and long sleeves help reduce your sun exposure. Closed-toed shoes protect your feet from cacti and other sharp desert plants. Finally, temperatures in the desert drop drastically at night. Pack layers for viewing the night skies of central Arizona.

 

Don't hug the cactus!

NPS Photo / Paul Santellan

Cacti and Other Desert Plants

Many desert plants are spiny! The parks are home to several types of cacti including prickly pears, chollas, and hedgehog cacti. Cacti have two types of spines: larger, visible spines, and glochids, tiny spines that grow around the base of larger ones but break off and embed in your skin easily. Cactus fruits also have spines even if they are not visible. Glochids are difficult to remove with tweezers but can be removed with tape. Be sure to appreciate these iconic desert plants from a distance.

Some desert plants also contain compounds that can be harmful. Poison ivy is found along Beaver Creek and can still cause a rash even if the leaves are not present. From spring through fall, sacred datura displays large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that measure more than nine inches long and seven inches wide. All parts of the plant are highly toxic to both humans and pets. Contact may even cause a rash. If you think someone in your group has come into contact with these plants, wash the area with soap and water.

 

Give all snakes their space.

NPS Photo / Nicholas Goodman

Snakes

Rattlesnakes are found at both Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well. These reptiles are an important part of the ecosystem and help control rodent populations. Many people are afraid of them, but they are equally afraid of us! More often than not, we will walk by them without even knowing that they are there. The best advice is to not put any body part anywhere your eyes haven't been first. Give all snakes at least six feet (1.8 m) of space. Rattlesnakes can strike up to two-thirds the length of their body.

Rattlesnakes and all other park wildlife are protected from harm or harassment by law. Park rangers have been specially trained to safely move snakes. Please report any rattlesnake sightings to a staff member along with the location as soon as possible. Never attempt to handle a snake.

 

Monsoons bring much-needed water to the desert as well as lightning and floods.

NPS Photo / Lauren Reid

Lightning and Monsoon Season

From July through September, heavy rainstorms called monsoons can strike suddenly, especially in the afternoon. These storms bring lightning and the possibility of flash flooding. All park trails close for 30 minutes following any lightning strikes detected five miles or less from the park. This includes the trail to see Montezuma Castle. Park staff may or may not be available to bring visitors in from the trails. Check the weather forecast for Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well ahead of your visit.

Flash flooding can occur with very little warning. Never attempt to cross flooded roads. Heavy rainfall can also cause washout which can result in the temporary closure of unpaved forest service roads such as those near Montezuma Well.