Montezuma Castle National Monument
We love visiting our National Parks when we explore different parts of the country, so on our road trip this Summer we took the opportunity to explore Montezuma Castle National Monument. Located approximately 30 miles south of Sedona, Arizona, Montezuma Castle is a perfect stop on your way to Phoenix.
This post includes affiliate links.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
One of the first four National Parks designated by President Theodore Roosevelt was Montezuma Castle. Before the early 1950’s you could climb wooden ladders up the side of the cliff and walk among the ruins, but due to preservation initiatives, you now wander the paths down below and take pictures as you imagine what it would have been to like to live in these cliff dwellings.
The Visitor Center offers the background and history of Montezuma Castle and helps give you an understanding of what life was like over 800 years ago in the early days of the Sinagua people.Â
When you leave the Visitor’s Center, you take a short walk around the loop trail where you can enjoy the view of the remains of the Montezuma Castle on your right.
Take your time and enjoy the Sycamore trees that surround you on your path.
A self-guided, 1/3-mile loop trail leads you past an incredible 5-story cliff dwelling, through a beautiful sycamore grove and along spring-fed Beaver Creek, one of only a few perennial streams in Arizona. At Montezuma Well, another 1/3-mile loop leads you past an amazing oasis, used by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago.
Continue the loop trail and enjoy the views of the Castle.
Things to Know:
- There are benches placed around the trail so you can rest as needed.
- The trail is flat and paved making it easily accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
- There is an entry fee to the Park but your America the Beautiful Pass will get you in free!
- Restrooms are available in the Visitors Center.
- You can tour the park in as little as an hour or you can take longer to enjoy the beautiful trail.
Find Montezuma Castle
Montezuma Castle Rd
Camp Verde, AZ
Pin this post for later:
Save Money at Your National Park:
If you are planning to visit multiple National Parks this year, make sure you take advantage of the various ways to save money at your favorite National Park!
