Montezuma Castle National Monument
Camp Verde, AZ
A five-story Sinagua cliff dwelling set high in a limestone cliff above Beaver Creek, seen from a short paved loop trail. Just off I-17 exit 289; plenty of RV parking.
Montezuma Castle is a Sinagua cliff dwelling in the Verde Valley, built into a limestone cliff about 27 m (90 ft) above the valley floor. The five-story, 20-room structure was begun in the early 12th century; around 1425 the settlement was abandoned for reasons unknown. The interior is closed to visitors, but you can see the dwelling from a paved trail that leads from the visitor center to the base of the cliff.
The park lies off Interstate 17, exit 289, about 45 minutes south of Flagstaff. The monument also includes Montezuma Well, a limestone sinkhole fed by an underground spring, with prehistoric irrigation canals. It is at exit 293 and has its own paved trail of about half a mile (0.8 km).
- Nearest town
- Camp Verde, AZ
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 34.6116, -111.8349
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- FR 120A DispersedCampsite9 mi from Montezuma Castle National MonumentTentsCaravans
- Angel Valley Dispersed Camping AreaCampsite14 mi from Montezuma Castle National MonumentTentsCaravans
- Rockview Dispersed Camping AreaCampsite14 mi from Montezuma Castle National MonumentTentsCaravans
- Javalina Dispersed Camping AreaCampsite14 mi from Montezuma Castle National MonumentTentsCaravans
- Camp AvalonCampsite14 mi from Montezuma Castle National MonumentTentsShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Surprise Dispersed Camping AreaCampsite15 mi from Montezuma Castle National MonumentTentsCaravans
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Montezuma Castle National Monument?
Montezuma Castle National Monument is in Camp Verde, AZ, at GPS 34.6116, -111.8349. It is about 13 mi from Cottonwood.
Can you camp near Montezuma Castle National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Distant Drums RV Resort, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 48 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Montezuma Castle National Monument?
Montezuma Castle National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon: Phoenix to Flagstaff.
What is there to see near Montezuma Castle National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Montezuma Well (5 mi), Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon) (15 mi), Chapel of the Holy Cross (16 mi) and Slide Rock State Park (23 mi).
When is the best time to visit Montezuma Castle National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)