Montezuma's Castle Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek

Montezuma Castle was one of the first four National Monuments dedicated in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt Make your way among the Arizona Sycamores in the oasis that is the Beaver Creek valley.

The site of Montezuma's castle is visible from the trail. Your whole way is paved, so you won't have to worry about obstacles distracting your view of the spectacular ruins. The "castle", nearly 800 years old, remains remarkably well preserved. The longevity of the ruins speaks to the ingenuity of the Sinagua people, who managed to prosper in a harsh desert climate. While the trail isn't much to speak of, the history visible from the edges is worth the visit.

The ruins are not open to the general public to preserve the cultural and scientific integrity of the pueblo site.

Arizona Sycamores and Cottonwoods along the creek provide a shady oasis in the midst of the surrounding desert landscape filled with mesquite, catclaw and saltbush.