Directions

A paved, 0.3 mile loop trail takes you through a tranquil sycamore glade and past the ancient cliff dwellings of a people surprisingly similar to ourselves.

NPS

Montezuma Castle

Directions:

1. Follow I-17 to exit 289 (90 minutes north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of Flagstaff).
2. Drive east (through two traffic circles) for approximately 0.5 miles to the blinking red light. Turn left onto Montezuma Castle Road.

The parking lot and visitor center are 0.8 miles from the entrance gate.

 

Visitors can view Montezuma Well, an ancient sinkhole, along with a centuries-old irrigation canal, cliff dwellings, and pueblo remains at this site.

NPS Photo / Lauren Reid

Montezuma Well

Exploring Montezuma Well reveals a place like no other in the world. Take your time and discover the tranquility of a site that has served as an oasis for wildlife and people since time immemorial. Montezuma Well is a separate unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument and is a 20 minute drive from Montezuma Castle.

Directions:

1. Follow I-17 to exit 293 (4 miles north of the exit for Montezuma Castle).
2. Continue through the towns of McGuireville and Rimrock, following the signs for four miles to the entrance to the Well.

There is no fee to visit Montezuma Well.

You do not need to follow any unpaved roads to access Montezuma Well. The site can also be accessed from unpaved forest service roads, however, these backcountry roads are often rugged, not regularly maintained, and rainfall may affect the condition of the roads. Heavy rainfall may cause some backcountry roads to close. Low clearance, front-wheel drive vehicles, RVs, and buses should stay on paved roads. GPS may take you on the backcountry roads to get to Montezuma Well.