What Is It?
Built into a cliff face, Montezuma Castle National Monument is a series of dwellings created by the Sinagua people roughly 900 years ago as a way to survive in the desert of Arizona. The site’s name comes from misguided settlers who thought it was an Aztec site.
Who Were the Sinagua?
The Sinagua people inhabited Central and Northern Arizona between 1,400 and 550 years ago. The name comes from the Spanish “sin agua” for “without water,” since they survived in arid climates. Especially after roughly 1050 A.D., they began building including pueblos and cliff dwellings.
Why Live in a Cliff?
The monument location has many benefits for surviving a unique climate. The cliff faces south, which keeps the dwellings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is also elevated, which positions it above the waters of nearby creeks that often flood and gives a good vantage point for viewing approaching visitors.
Before You Go
Montezuma Castle was one of the United States’ first four national monuments, designated in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1933, roughly 50 rooms were restored. Until 1951, visitors could climb ladders to visit the structure, but that stopped due to degradation of the site.
More Information
All visitors to the national monument must have a pass. Standard passes are $10, while annual and interagency passes are also available. For more information and to start planning your trip, call 928-
567-3322 or visit www.nps.gov/moca.