A 5-story masonry dwelling sits in a cliff alcove.
Montezuma Castle was built in an alcove about 90 feet up a cliff. This protects the dwelling from flooding. NPS Photo/Sharlot Hart

Montezuma Castle National Monument

National Monument · Arizona · National Park Service

Established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a story of ingenuity, survival and ultimately, prosperity in an unforgiving desert landscape.

Plan your visit

Camping

Camping

Site types & reservations: see the official site.

Know before you go

Phone
9285673322
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

Highlights: Architecture and Building · Archeology · Cliff Dwellings · Arts · Photography · Commerce · Trade · Native American Heritage · Animals · Birds · Climate Change · Fire · Groundwater · Unique Species

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Cultural Demonstrations · Astronomy · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • Sun shines on the window sill in a masonry wall; trees in fall color are seen outside the window.
    NPS Photo
  • Two masonry walls with a dark doorway in a short cliff ledge.
    NPS Photo
  • Two cliff dwellings and a tree with yellow leaves above a pond.
    NPS Photo/Greg Webb
  • a blue sinkhole surrounded by algae, reeds, and cattails in a desert landscape
    NPS Photo / Lauren Reid

Nearby parks

Parks of Arizona

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49 parks mapped in Arizona

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Guides for the trip

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12