Safety

Dial 911 in Emergencies

Call to report accidents, fires, or life-threatening emergencies. Cell phone coverage exists throughout most of Tuzigoot National Monument but can be spotty in some areas. Emergency calls will usually go through even if your phone says you don't have service.

Desert Safety

Remember to stay on the trails while at Tuzigoot. Desert soils are extremely fragile, most of the plants have spikes or spines, and the wildlife at Tuzigoot includes several species of venomous snakes and arachnids. Staying on paved surfaces will greatly help keep you safe!

Tuzigoot, Montezuma Castle, and Montezuma Well are all archeology sites, which means going off trail could inadvertently damage cultural resources. If you find something interesting on the trail, take a picture to show a ranger. Please leave all plants, animals, rocks, artifacts, bones, and other items where you find them for others to enjoy. Let a ranger know if you see anyone else going off trail.

 

A drinking fountain and water bottle refill station are available at the visitor center.

NPS Photo / Rachel Wilkin

Weather

Heat

Summer high temperatures range from 95° to 115°F (35° to 46°C) and temperatures are often at least 90°F (32°C) for about 5 months of the year. When visiting the Verde Valley, you are likely to experience hot, dry weather with little cooling relief at night. There is no shade on the Pueblo Trail, so bring water, sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and a hat to keep you cool.

During summer months it is recommended to hit the trail before 10 am to reduce your risk of heat-related illnesses. Be prepared to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion: irritability, confusion, sluggishness, dizziness, and heart palpitations are among the most common symptoms.

Water

Even though our trails are short, water is always important to bring in the desert. The elevation of the monument is 3500 ft / 1050 meters and there is very little shade, which contributes to dehydration. On hot, dry, summer days, you should drink at least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking, although this amount can be more for some people.

Drinking water before hiking can help reduce the risk of dehydration, and make sure you continue to drink during the hike - don't wait until you feel thirsty! Bring salty snacks to help with sodium electrolyte replacement - you're sweating out salt as well as water, and you need to replace both to stay healthy.

 

Monsoon moving in towards Tuzigoot.

NPS Photo / Demii Grant

Monsoon Season

When it's not scorching outside in the summer, Arizona is known for its monsoon seasons! On average, July through September can be the wettest months of the year for the park, receiving more than half of the annual precipitation. Monsoons are sporadic and very hard to predict, sometimes they only bring thunder and lightning while other times they drench the landscape. Park trails are closed for 30 minutes following any lightning strikes detected five miles or less from the park.

Check the local forecast before your visit.

What to Wear

In addition to ensuring that you get adequate water and rest, what you wear is important for a visit to the desert! Even though Tuzigoot does not have long trails, there is very little shade, and it can get hot just walking back to your car! So remember: have a hat and sunscreen with you at all times. Light synthetic clothing helps wick away moisture, keeping your body cooler while outdoors. We recommend wearing long sleeves to keep your sun exposure down, and protect your arms from bushes and thorns. Finally, temperatures in the desert can fluctuate drastically over the course of a day. Packing and wearing some layers is highly recommended.

 

Wildlife and Plants

A diverse array of animals call Tuzigoot home and it is each visitor's responsibility to keep themselves safe by watching where they place their hands and feet. Keep a safe distance from wildlife at all times. Again, staying on all paved surfaces greatly increases the likelihood of having a safe and enjoyable experience in the park.

 

Keep Wildlife Wild

Although seeing a chipmunk munch on some salted peanuts may be cute in the moment, feeding wildlife is actually very harmful. Animals have adapted over thousands of years to the environment they live in and it is part of the park's mission to keep it that way. Feeding wildlife is prohibited in the parks.

Animals can become aggressive when they begin to associate humans with food and can carry diseases that can make us sick. Animals used to humans can also be drawn to busy areas like parking lots and roads where they may be hit by cars. Many human foods are toxic to animals and can make them sick as well. Seeing animals out in nature is awesome, and national parks need your help to keep nature wild!

It is also important to dispose of any trash in the proper bins; even small pieces of plastic can harm ecosystems. Remember: if it doesn't grow there, it doesn't go there!

 

Western diamondback being released after capture.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are fairly common at Tuzigoot from April through September. Snakes help keep rodent populations under control. Many people are afraid of them, but they have no interest in us as long as we leave them alone. The best advice is to not put any body part anywhere your eyes haven't been first. If you see a rattlesnake on the trail, be sure to let a staff member know as soon as possible. Rangers have been specially trained to relocate snakes in a way that is safe for them and the snake. Never attempt to handle or move a snake on your own. Even non-venomous species will bite if they feel threatened.

Rattlesnakes and all other park wildlife are protected from harm or harassment by law.

 

Mountain lion walking through Tavasci Marsh.

NPS Resources

Mountain Lions

Although mountain lions are generally shy and avoid human interactions, there is a healthy population in the Verde Valley. Especially if you are hiking the Tavasci Marsh Trail, be aware of mountain lions. If you encounter one, make your presence known with loud noises and try to appear larger than normal. Never approach a mountain lion, try to back away slowly, and refrain from running away.

Cacti

Many desert plants are spiny. Some species of cacti, such as cholla, have spiny segments easily detach from the plant. Others like prickly pears have glochids, tiny spines that can be too tiny to see or remove from your skin. Cactus fruits also have spines.