Montezuma Castle National Monument

Review & FAQ:

What is Montezuma Castle National Monument?
- Montezuma Castle National Monument protects several historic dwellings built by Arizona’s Sinagua indigenous people, a pre-Columbian culture that thrived between 1100 and 1425 A.D..
Why is it called Montezuma Castle?
- The monument is named after the legend of Aztec emperor Montezuma. When European settlers discovered the ruins in the 1860s, they mistakenly believed they were connected to the Aztecs.
How large is Montezuma Castle National Monument?
- The monument spans 860 acres near the intersection of the Colorado Plateau and Basin and Range. It has been protected as a national monument since 1906.
What can visitors see at the monument?
- Visitors can view the preserved five-story dwelling, which was built over three centuries and contains approximately 60 rooms.
Are there trails at the site?
- A ¼-mile paved interpretive trail leads from the visitor center, providing excellent views of the ruins.
What exhibits are available at the visitor center?
- The visitor center features exhibits about traditional Sinagua culture and the tools they used in daily life.

Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ, Phone: 928-567-3322

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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