Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument preserves a well-known cliff dwelling near Camp Verde in central Arizona, first protected by the U.S. government in 1906. The structure is an impressive, multi-story example of Sinagua architecture from the region.

The dwelling was constructed by the Sinagua people between about 1100 and 1425 CE and was later abandoned. Recognizing its archaeological value, it was proclaimed a national monument in 1906 to protect the structure and surrounding landscape.

The monument sits above a tributary of the Verde River near the town of Camp Verde in central Arizona, on a limestone cliff overlooking the valley below.

• Visitor access: Visitors view the dwelling from a short paved trail and boardwalk; the cliff rooms are not open for public entry to protect the structure.
• Legal status: The national monument was proclaimed in 1906 and is one of the earliest sites protected under the U.S. Antiquities Act.

What to See #

• Cliff dwelling (the castle): A five-story cliff dwelling of roughly 20 rooms built into a limestone overhang by the Sinagua people between about 1100 and 1425 CE, stabilized and interpreted from a viewing platform.
• Visitor center: A small visitor center with exhibits about the Sinagua people, archaeology, and the monument's natural setting, plus interpretive panels and a short orientation film.
• Trail and viewing platform: A short paved trail and viewing boardwalk provide an elevated view of the cliff face and dwelling from a safe distance; interior access to the rooms is closed for preservation.