The park can be reached by taking Exit 289 off I-17 and following the signs three miles to the visitor center parking lot. Despite its name, the monument is not a castle and Montezuma was never here. Nestled into a limestone recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley stands one of the best preserved cliff ruins in North America. Early settlers to the area assumed that the imposing structure was associated with the Aztec emperor Montezuma, but the castle was abandoned almost a century before Montezuma was born. The visitor center contains a small museum displaying artifacts that were found on site.
Rangers provide information, programs, and assistance.
There is a level, paved trail one third of a mile in length. Wayside exhibits along the self-guiding trail describe the cultural and natural history of the site. Golden Eagle Passports are honored. There are no camping facilities at Montezuma Castle, however the surrounding area provides a variety of camping opportunities from U.S. Forest Service and State Park campgrounds to private RV parks. Take Exit 293 from I-17 and drive four miles.