Montezuma Castle National Monument

Located just 90 minutes north of Phoenix, Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Boasting a size more than five-stories high with 20 room dwellings, this high-rise apartment like structure is nestled into a towering limestone cliff. Overlooking their crop of corn, beans, squash and cotton this dwelling tells a 1,000 year-old story of ingenuity and survival of the Sinagua culture during the 12th century. This location provided security from potential danger and was conveniently located near a creek that the Sinagua people relied upon as a water source.

Located just 11 miles from the Castle, Montezuma Well is another place of interest at the National Monument. The well is open to public visitors and is home to species of animals found nowhere else on the planet. The well formed thousands of years ago by the collapse of a limestone cavern. More than one million gallons of water flow constantly into the well, creating an oasis for the wildlife and humans in this area. The Sinagua used the water for irrigation of their crops.

To make the most of your visit to the Montezuma Castle National Monument, take advantage of one of the ranger programs or follow a provided map through self-guided tours. Try the 1/3 mile trail that will take you through a glade of white-barked Arizona sycamores to the base of the Montezuma Castle.

Or, explore the 1/2 mile paved trail at Montezuma Well, possibly sighting the more than 100 species of birds, snakes, lizards and more. There are also plenty of cliff dwellings and pueblo ruins to see. This trail provides a tranquil shaded forest experience where the temperature can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the rim of the well.

There is no food or drinks available at the Montezuma Castle, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own to enjoy in the picnic areas. Also, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring plenty of sunscreen.

- by Jennifer Pruett, Phoenix Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.