Become a Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot BARK Ranger

Both Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot offer BARK Ranger tags.

Do you think your dog has what it takes to become an official Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments BARK Ranger? Stop by the visitor center to get certified. Certification allows you to purchase an exclusive BARK Ranger badge from one of the bookstores managed by the Western National Parks Association.

Pets are welcome on park trails as long as they follow the rules of B.A.R.K:

Bag your poop: Pet owners must clean up after their pets. Trash cans are available at parking lots and outside visitor centers.

Always wear a leash: Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

Respect wildlife: Please give all wildlife plenty of space. All wildlife is protected from harm or harassment by law.

Know where you can go: Pets are welcome on trails, in parking lots, and at picnic areas, but not inside visitor centers (except during check-in). Service dogs (those who are individually trained to perform a task for a person with a disability) are permitted to travel wherever people can go.

Safety

• Bring water on your walk. Summer high temperatures range from 95° to 115°F (35° to 46°C). The parks do not sell bottled water, but water bottles can be purchased from the bookstores and a water bottle refill station is available at the visitor centers and the picnic area at Montezuma Well.
• Use the "seven second rule" to check the ground to see if it's too hot for your pet. Place the back of your hand against the pavement for seven seconds. If you can't hold your hand there for a full seven seconds, the ground is too hot for your pet to walk on. Dog boots are highly recommended in the summer.
• Never leave your pets in the car. Parking areas are not shaded.
• Keep an eye on your pet at all times; the parks are home to an array of wildlife, many of which may bite or sting in self-defense.
• From spring through fall, rattlesnakes are often seen in the parks and may be present on the trails. If you encounter a rattlesnake during your visit, please let a staff member know immediately. Park rangers are specially trained to relocate rattlesnakes in a way that is safe for people and the snake. Never attempt to handle or move a snake yourself and give all snakes at least six feet of space. Please remember that we are visitors in their home; rattlesnakes and all other park wildlife are protected from harm or harassment by law.

Regulations

• Never climb or sit on the dwellings or structures.
• Please stay on the marked trails at all times.
• Do not leave your pet unattended.
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft are not permitted in any of the parks.
• Please leave all plants, animals, rocks, artifacts, bones, and other items where you find them for others to enjoy. If you find something interesting on the trail, take a photo to share with a ranger.

Learn more about visiting national parks with your pets.

Details

Duration

30-120 Minutes

Completing the BARK ranger card and purchasing the tag only takes a few minutes, but hikes in the parks can take up to two hours or more. The Pueblo Trail at Tuzigoot, Pasture and Well Trails at Montezuma Well, and loop trail at Montezuma Castle all take approximately 30-40 minutes each to hike.

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets must be leashed at all times. Always pick up after your pet. Pets are not permitted in visitor centers except during check-in.

Activity Fee

Yes

BARK Ranger tags must be purchased from the bookstore.

Location

Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments

BARK Ranger tags can be purchased from the bookstores at both Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot national monuments. Montezuma Well does not have a bookstore.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The loop trail at Montezuma Castle National Monument is paved and wheelchair accessible. Benches and shade structures are available along the trail including in front of Montezuma Castle.
The spur trail to view Castle A is paved but has a steep grade that is not suitable for wheelchairs.

The Pueblo Trail at Tuzigoot National Monument is entirely paved and generally easy in difficulty, but includes some steeper grades that are not suitable for wheelchairs. Benches are located along the trail, but the most of the trail is in the sun for the duration of the day.
The citadel roof at the Tuzigoot pueblo is accessed by two sets of stairs and hazards include dim lighting and steep, potentially slippery stairs.