Montezuma Castle National Monument

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 9:00–16:45

From 56 published days, 2026-10-19 to 2026-12-13; community-mapped.

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

At the park

• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature
• Hiking trails trail

Shows and experiences

• Historic sites & museum
• Junior Ranger program
• Ranger & guided programs

Events

• Ranger Talk

Before you go

Limits

Find out what what activities require a permit

Limits

Yes, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere in a park that visitors can go

Limits

Always stay on trails, keep an eye on your pets, never put your hands or feet where you can't see, and give snakes a minimum of six feet (1.8 m) of space

⚠ Caution: Visiting During Monsoon Season (July-September)

All park trails are closed for 30 minutes following any lightning strikes five miles or less from the park. This includes Montezuma Well and the trail to see Montezuma Castle. Please check the forecast ahead of your visit.

Park alert: Staff Unable to Check Phone Messages at the Visitor Center

At this time, staff are unable to check or receive phone messages left at the visitor center. All calls to the park are being routed to Tuzigoot National Monument. You can also reach the park at moca_tuzi_info@nps.gov if you need to contact the park.

Getting there

Montezuma Castle: Follow I-17 to exit 289 (90 minutes north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of Flagstaff). Drive east (through two traffic circles) for approximately 1/2 mile to the blinking red light. Turn left onto Montezuma Castle Road. Montezuma Well: Follow I-17 to exit 293 (north of the exit for Montezuma Castle). Continue through the towns of McGuireville and Rimrock, following the signs for 4 miles to the entrance to the Well.

Weather & when to go

Summer: Hot. Temperatures range from 95°F (35°C) to 115°F (46°C). Nighttime temperatures can be much cooler, around 70°F (21°C). From July through September, heavy rains called monsoons are common in the afternoons. Winter: Cool. Highs average around 55°F (13°C); lows may be in the teens (-10°C). Snow is rare, but possible. For detailed information, visit the National Weather Service: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.61151944900047&lon=-111.8389592099997#.Vi_FZX6rSUk

Visitor center

Montezuma Castle Visitor Center — The Montezuma Castle Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 4:45 pm. The park may close early on December 24, 31, and the day before Thanksgiving. Please note that the park gate is one mile from the visitor center and locks at 5 pm. — Follow I-17 to exit 289 (90 minutes north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of Flagstaff). Drive east (through two traffic circles) for approximately 1/2 mile to the blinking red light. Turn left onto Montezuma Castle Road.

Facilities on the park map

1 visitor information.

History

Opened

1906

Heritage status

Listed heritage / protected status

• Park opened