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Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde

4.5
Historic Site · Tourist Spot
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A cliff dwelling built by the prehistoric Sinagua people, Montezuma Castle National Monument took three centuries to complete. The dwelling has five stories and 20 rooms, giving it its castle-like appearance. View the dwelling from the lookout point below, then learn about the Sinagua culture and history in the visitor center near the viewing platform. There you will discover that the name of the attraction developed thanks to a misinterpretation by early settlers who thought that the Aztec leader Montezuma had something to do with its construction. Find out how to plan Camp Verde trip without stress by asking Klarna Trips to help create an itinerary.
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Montezuma Castle National Monument reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
2,624 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • We loved this area. So much history of the indigenous people and how they lived. Also loved that it was protected and is as it has always been. 
    We loved this area. So much history of the indigenous people and how they lived. Also loved that it was protected and is as it has always been.  more »
  • This is one of those places you need to see once in your lifetime. They've done a great job upgrading the area with seating to relax and enjoy the views.they added view points where you can get up... 
    This is one of those places you need to see once in your lifetime. They've done a great job upgrading the area with seating to relax and enjoy the views.they added view points where you can get up...  more »
  • We stopped here in between Phoenix and Sedona without any expectations - great little museum, friendly staff, and fascinating monument! We sat outside and ate lunch at the picnic tables too. 
    We stopped here in between Phoenix and Sedona without any expectations - great little museum, friendly staff, and fascinating monument! We sat outside and ate lunch at the picnic tables too.  more »
Google
  • It's a relatively short , paved path loop which passes by the historic hillside interesting plaques. Beautiful sycamore trees! Plenty of shaded benches. Lots of informative plaques, including the medicinal benefits of many plants. Good diorama of the interior of the "castle". Pleasantly surprised at all that was there. Good gift shop!
  • The park is easy to find. Tickets to Montezuma and Tuzigoot can get you entrance into the other park. Be sure to dress appropriately if you are visiting in the summer. On the day we visited it was 104°. The trail is paved. The Monument is awesome and well preserved. The story of Montezuma is another chapter in the ancient settlements of the Verde Valley and Red Rock region.
  • Such an amazing place to visit, especially if you happen to catch a ranger. I asked a genealogy question, as I have recently discovered that our family has a significant percentage of "indigenous American" DNA, and he was able to direct me towards further research. It's exciting to know that these early cultures are being preserved.
  • I loved this national monument. Well maintained. The visitor center is a bit too small but it's pretty good. The trail to the monument was easy and well maintained. There was enough parking when I visited this place, it was a Friday afternoon. I would love to visit this place again!
  • We really enjoyed our visit to this site because it's amazing to see how the Native American people used to build their homes on the southern side of the cliffs. Visitors cannot walk up to the sites, but its amazing enough as you walk the 3/4 trail to see it. The rangers that work this area are extremely nice, and there are ranger docents stationed at different places to help visitors and relay information about the area and the dwellings. The Sycamore Trees are absolutely beautiful and well cared for, as is the sidewalk and grounds. This location is well visited every day, so make sure you arrive early to get your parking spot. Dogs are allowed on the paved trail only, and they even hand you a "Bark Ranger" flyer for your dog. :-) I highly recommend a visit here if you're in the area. If you do, I also recommend a visit to Montezuma Well and V-V Heritage Site.

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