Montezuma Castle - Payson, AZ

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Montezuma Castle

GPS Coordinates: N 34° 36.684 W 111° 50.281

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Montezuma Castle's is nestled into a limestone recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley and stands one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America. The five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling served as a "high-rise apartment building" for prehistoric Sinagua Indians over 600 years ago. Early settlers to the area assumed that the imposing structure was associated with the Aztec emperor Montezuma, but the castle was abandoned almost a century before Montezuma was born.

With heightened concern over vandalism of fragile southwestern prehistoric sites, Montezuma's Castle became a major factor in the nation's historic preservation movement with its proclamation as a National Monument. Montezuma Castle's was described in the December 1906 establishment proclamation as "of the greatest ethnological and scientific interest."

There is a level, paved trail 1/3 of a mile in length. Wayside exhibits along the self-guiding trail describe the cultural and natural history of the site. A diorama/audio program depicts the interior view of Montezuma Castle's cliff dwellings. Rangers are available on the trail and programs are presented when staffing permits.

Facilities: There is a visitor center with small gift shop, trails, and restrooms at Montezuma Castle's.

Best Time To Visit: Montezuma Castle's is open every day of the year, including Christmas day. Winter hours: 8 AM to 5 PM; Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): 8 AM to 6 PM Mountain Standard Time.

Fees: Fees are charged to visit Montezuma Castle.

Accessibility: The visitor center and most of the paved trail at Montezuma Castle's are accessible to wheelchairs. A portion of the Castle trail and the trail at Montezuma Well are too steep for wheelchairs. The picnic area at the Castle is not accessible to wheelchairs. Please contact a ranger for more information. Audio cassettes and Braille text are available for the visually impaired at Montezuma Castle's.

Rules: Unknown

Directions: Montezuma Castle's is located 3 miles off Interstate 17. Use Exit Number 289 and follow the signs.

Map: Click here for a map to Montezuma Castle

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or required.

Address

2800 Montezuma Castle Road

P.O. Box 219

Camp Verde, Arizona 86322

Phone
General: (928) 567-3322

Website