Montezuma Castle near Camp Verde, Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument is a 5 story, 20 room living space built by the Sinagua people between 1100-1300. Today, it is considered one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in the country. In 1906, President Roosevelt declared Montezuma a place “of the greatest ethnological value and scientific interest,” making it one of the first four national monuments. The dwellings are built 100 feet above the ground in a natural alcove, this being one of the reasons for their preservation.

Ancient Sinagua culture

The ancient Sinagua people occupied both the forested and desert lands of central and Northern Arizona, including the western Mogollon Rim, the Verde Valley, and the San Francisco Mountain Volcanic Field, between the 7th-15th Century. Read more about the interesting Sinagua people.

When early settlers discovered the ruins in the 1860’s, they named it Montezuma, believing it was Aztec in origin. However, the castle was abandoned over 40 years before the Aztec emperor Montezuma was even born (The Sinagua left sometime around 1425). Almost no original artifacts remain due to looting over the years.

Viewing the ruins

An easy 1/3 mile paved path takes you around the ruins. Along the route, you can read some interesting historical facts about the dwellings and the Sinagua people. The path is shady with pretty Sycamore trees lining the path. Back in the day, tourists could tour the inside of the dwelling, however, self tours have been off limits since 1951 to prevent further damage.

A view of the 1/3 mile paved path at Montezuma Castle near Camp Verde, Arizona
View of Montezuma Castle from the paved trail - near Camp Verde, Arizona
Pretty sycamore trees along the path at Montezuma Castle

Montezuma resembles an ancient apartment building. It’s hard to imagine these ancient tribes using ladders to haul all their materials, food, and water up. It’s also unbelievable that they built this dwelling on the limestone cliff with no modern technology, just ladders and their own hands. Really, it’s hard to imagine people in the past living in such conditions, which is what makes it all the more interesting in today’s society.

Next to the castle you will find the remains of another dwelling, Castle A. In the 1400’s, a fire destroyed this 5 level, 45 room dwelling.

Castle A at Montezuma Castle near Camp Verde, Arizona

Beaver Creek, which flows just below the ruins, was a source of year-round water. In a harsh climate, this made it a great place to inhabit.

Beaver Creek at Montezuma Castle near Camp Verde, Arizona

In the Visitor’s Center, you can learn more about the Sinagua people. A small assortment of souvenirs available for purchase.

A roadside attraction worth the detour

Overall, Montezuma is an interesting roadside attraction. It shouldn’t take you more than an hour or so to walk the short path and read all the interesting facts about the Sinagua. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to visit Montezuma as there is not much to see. That being said, exploring Montezuma makes for a great detour on the way to Sedona, Flagstaff, or the Grand Canyon. Those interested in the history of the Southwest and Native American tribes will find Montezuma the most worthwhile.

For more to do and see in Northern Arizona, visit my 101 things to do in Northern Arizona guide.

Address & Admission

Montezuma is located about 90 miles north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of Flagstaff, and about 30 minutes from Sedona. To get here, follow I-17 to exit 289. Turn left on Montezuma Castle Road.

The cost is $10 per adult (under 15 free). I recommend an annual National Parks “America the Beautiful pass,” which includes admission to Montezuma and every other national park/monument in the country for 1 year at the low price of only $80. If you intend on visiting several national parks/monuments within the year, it will easily pass for itself in just a few visits.

Have you ever visited Montezuma Castle? What other national monuments/parks in Arizona would you recommend?