View Montezuma Castle

Visitors can walk a trail that offers views of Montezuma Castle and the surrounding area.

NPS Photo / Lauren Reid

At Montezuma Castle National Monument, visitors can view two cliff dwellings built by the Hisatsinom, or Sinagua people, around 1150 CE. These impressive feats of engineering are a testament to the people that lived here and the community they were a part of. Although the dwellings seen here were constructed starting around 1150, people lived in this area long before they were built. These structures were occupied until the Hisatsinom left the area by about the early 1400s. Despite their appearance, the dwellings here are not abandoned and forgotten; they are celebrated and remembered. Many indigenous peoples maintain a strong connection with this land and site today.

A 0.3 mile (0.5 km) paved loop trail around the site and offers numerous views of the dwellings as we see them today. Montezuma Castle is located about 100 yards (91 m) from the visitor center. Castle A is located on the far side of the loop, about 160 yards (146 m) from the visitor center. More than 95% of what we see of the main dwelling, Montezuma Castle, is original with some work performed over the years to stabilize the structure. Its location inside the cliff is largely what is responsible for its preservation, keeping it protected from the elements.

A short spur trail allows visitors a closer look at Castle A, a dwelling that was about twice the size of Montezuma Castle. This structure was burned sometime between 1375 and 1395 during a dispute between the Hisatsinom who lived in this building and the Apache and Yavapai, but some of the stonework and caveate rooms are still visible along the cliff.

Due to the sensitivity of these sites, tours inside Montezuma Castle were discontinued in 1951 and access to Castle A was discontinued in 1978. Please respect the dwellings here by remaining on the trail and not sitting on or climbing them. A five minute video tour of the inside of Montezuma Castle plays on loop in the museum during operating hours. Montezuma Castle is not visible from any roads.

Safety

• Bring water on your walk. Although the trail is mostly shaded, summer high temperatures range from 95° to 115°F (35° to 46°C). The park does not sell bottled water, but water bottles can be purchased from the bookstore and a water bottle refill station is available at the visitor center.
• From spring through fall, rattlesnakes are seen in the park 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.

• Check the forecast ahead of time. From July through mid-September, heavy rainstorms called monsoons are common in the afternoon. The trail is closed for 30 minutes following any lightning strikes within five miles of the park.

Regulations

• Never climb or sit on the dwellings or structures.
• Please stay on the paved trail at all times.
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft are not permitted in the park.
• 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.
• Pets are welcome on the trails but must be on a leash no more than six feet at all times. Always clean up after your pet. Never leave your pets in the car. Pets are not permitted in the visitor center except during check-in.

Details

Duration

30-45 Minutes

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 the visitor center except during check-in.

Activity Fee

Yes

Park entrance fee applies. Please show valid park pass or pay entrance fee at the visitor center.

Location

Montezuma Castle Visitor Center

The loop trail around the site starts at the visitor center. Montezuma Castle is not visible from any roads.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

The park and park trail are only accessible during operating hours. Check park hours ahead of time.

Accessibility Information

The loop trail 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 may not be suitable for wheelchairs.