With heightened concern over vandalism of fragile southwestern prehistoric sites, Montezuma Castle became a major factor in the nation's historic preservation movement with its proclamation as a national monument. Over a million visitors come to Montezuma Castle National Monument each year. The heaviest visitation occurs during the spring, while December and January are the slowest times of the year. Once there you can use the paved one third of a mile trail to explore the wayside exhibits along the self-guiding trail. They describe the cultural and natural history of the site.
Rangers are available on the trail and programs are presented when staffing permits.
Visitors are requested to stay on the paved trails to protect these fragile cultural resources. The taking of cultural and natural materials from the site is prohibited. Allow approximately 45 minutes to one hour to visit the castle. To more fully enjoy your visit, try planning around this time period. The park can be reached by taking Exit 289 off I-17 and following the signs 3 miles to the visitor center parking lot.