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Montezuma Castle National Monument Review

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Montezuma Castle National Monument

  • Address: Montezuma Castle Rd., 7 mi northeast of Camp Verde, Camp Verde, AZ
  • Phone: 928/567-3322 Montezuma Castle; 928/567-3322 Ext. 15 bookstore
  • www.nps.gov/moca

Fodor's Review:

The five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling at Montezuma Castle National Monument was named by explorers who believed it had been erected by the Aztecs. Southern Sinagua Native Americans actually built the roughly 600-year-old structure, which is one of the best-preserved prehistoric ruins in North America—and one of the most accessible. An easy paved trail (1/3 mi round-trip) leads to the dwelling and to adjacent Castle A, a badly deteriorated 6-story living space with about 45 rooms. No one is permitted to enter the ruins, but the viewing area is close by. From Camp Verde, take Main Street to Montezuma Castle Road.

Somewhat less accessible than Montezuma's Castle—but equally striking—is the Montezuma Well (928/567-4521), a unit of the national monument. Although there are some Sinagua and Hohokam ruins here, the limestone sinkhole with a limpid blue-green pool lying in the middle of the desert is the park's main attraction. This cavity—55 feet deep and 365 feet across—is all that's left of an ancient subterranean cavern; the water remains at a constant 76°F year-round. It's a short hike up here, but the peace, quiet, and the views of the Verde Valley reward the effort. To reach Montezuma Well from Montezuma Castle, return to I-17 and go north to Exit 293; signs direct you to the well, which is 4 mi east of the freeway. The drive includes a short section of dirt road.

  • Cost: $5
  • Open: Labor Day-Memorial Day, daily 8-5; Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 8-6
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