Montezuma Well National Monument
Montezuma Well National Monument
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Located in the Verde Valley area, this mysterious crater-lake supported an ancient community of Sinagua Indians.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
604 reviews
Excellent
362
Very good
203
Average
35
Poor
3
Terrible
1
RMurray847
Albuquerque, NM306 contributions
Oct 2020
My wife and I really knew nothing about this site going into it. We were spending a few days in the area, and we always like to check out National Parks/Monuments. This spot is not that far off the interstate and very easy to get to. It is absolutely worth a visit. If you only have an hour, you can still get quite a bit out of it.
Yes, it's a big pool of water in the middle of the desert. But so much more. The water vents up from the bottom and is at a constant level, because a steady amount also flows OUT. It's a the bottom of a deep "hole" and you will also see some ruins of the cliff dwellings built at this spot. And do take the time to read the signs about the life forms that inhabit the lake. I can see a horror movie being inspired by this place!
If you have time, take the brief hike down to the bottom. It's lovely. The whole area is lovely. And not terribly crowded. Yes, there were people there, but in this time of Coronavirus, it did not feel TOO people-y.
It a beautiful site with fascinating history (and natural history) and well worth your time. Note that there is no gift shop on site, just a little booth to pay (although right now they have waived entry fees). I think most people do this stop along with a visit to nearby Montezuma Castle and they think you'll do your shopping there. So if you're visiting both (and/or Tuzigoot)...you can only buy souvenirs, books, stamps for your National Parks passbook, etc. at the Castle or Tuzigoot...not the Well.
Yes, it's a big pool of water in the middle of the desert. But so much more. The water vents up from the bottom and is at a constant level, because a steady amount also flows OUT. It's a the bottom of a deep "hole" and you will also see some ruins of the cliff dwellings built at this spot. And do take the time to read the signs about the life forms that inhabit the lake. I can see a horror movie being inspired by this place!
If you have time, take the brief hike down to the bottom. It's lovely. The whole area is lovely. And not terribly crowded. Yes, there were people there, but in this time of Coronavirus, it did not feel TOO people-y.
It a beautiful site with fascinating history (and natural history) and well worth your time. Note that there is no gift shop on site, just a little booth to pay (although right now they have waived entry fees). I think most people do this stop along with a visit to nearby Montezuma Castle and they think you'll do your shopping there. So if you're visiting both (and/or Tuzigoot)...you can only buy souvenirs, books, stamps for your National Parks passbook, etc. at the Castle or Tuzigoot...not the Well.
Written November 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DesertRose
185 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
This is one of my favorite spots in the area.
It is a very short walk from the parking lot (not even a walk really as you just go up some stairs) and there is a lovely look out over the well with informative signs.
You can walk down into the well for a closer look which I recommend doing and there is also a small loop walk that will eventually take you back to the parking lot with a few signs explaining native plants and a spot to walk down and get a closer look at the nearby creek which was used for irrigation.
It is a very short walk from the parking lot (not even a walk really as you just go up some stairs) and there is a lovely look out over the well with informative signs.
You can walk down into the well for a closer look which I recommend doing and there is also a small loop walk that will eventually take you back to the parking lot with a few signs explaining native plants and a spot to walk down and get a closer look at the nearby creek which was used for irrigation.
Written January 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynette51
Santa Barbara, CA1,200 contributions
Mar 2021
We stopped by on our way to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. We arrived on a weekday before noon and the small parking lot was almost full so I recommend getting there early. It's unique and has a trail with all of the flora and fauna placards placed throughout. You can go down to the well but don't go in. As the Ranger told everyone there is a hefty fine for doing so. The trail down is not evenly paved but not too steep. I recommend stopping in to explore.
Written March 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa W
Lake Havasu City589 contributions
Sep 2022
We had just seen Tuzigoot and Montezuma's castle and decided to stop here as well. It was a very hot day and we couldn't see how long the trail was from the parking area. We would liked to have asked some questions regarding the length of the trail, the steepness, stairs, etc... but there was no one manning the ranger building. We ended up leaving without seeing it as we are older and weren't sure we'd have been able to make the walk.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheExplorerFamily
Somerset, NJ6,364 contributions
Oct 2021
The Montezuma Well is actually a detached part of the Montezuma Castle, and is about an 11 miles drive on a very bumpy road -- away from it. We found out about it from the Park Rangers when we visited the Castle, and at the last minute decided to take the detour to check this place out. So glad we did.
The Well is very similar to the Sinkholes and Cenotes found in Florida and in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is huge with a diameter of 386 feet. It is fed by a subterranean water source, and holds a million and a half gallons of water, at a constant temperature of 74 degrees. It is miraculous that this level or temperature has not changed in over a hundred years – even in times of severe droughts.
The water is used for irrigation purposes, but nobody can swim in it, because it is highly carbonated and contains high levels of arsenic.
We hiked on the marked path, and were able to learn many facts about the large variety of flora and wildflowers that grow in the area. Loved the fact that there are many labels and informative plaques all along the path.
Just like the Castle, the Aztec Emperor Montezuma had no connection to this site. Many early cliff dwellers made their home here. If you take the hiking path down to the well, you can see their homes as well as the place where the water bubbles out from the underground stream – visible because of the collapse of a cliff wall.
The Park Ranger here was very friendly and knowledgeable. We were also able to get our sticker and date stamp for our Parks Passport from him.
Absolutely worth a visit.
The Well is very similar to the Sinkholes and Cenotes found in Florida and in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is huge with a diameter of 386 feet. It is fed by a subterranean water source, and holds a million and a half gallons of water, at a constant temperature of 74 degrees. It is miraculous that this level or temperature has not changed in over a hundred years – even in times of severe droughts.
The water is used for irrigation purposes, but nobody can swim in it, because it is highly carbonated and contains high levels of arsenic.
We hiked on the marked path, and were able to learn many facts about the large variety of flora and wildflowers that grow in the area. Loved the fact that there are many labels and informative plaques all along the path.
Just like the Castle, the Aztec Emperor Montezuma had no connection to this site. Many early cliff dwellers made their home here. If you take the hiking path down to the well, you can see their homes as well as the place where the water bubbles out from the underground stream – visible because of the collapse of a cliff wall.
The Park Ranger here was very friendly and knowledgeable. We were also able to get our sticker and date stamp for our Parks Passport from him.
Absolutely worth a visit.
Written November 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
933jo
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Feb 2020
To get to viewpoints of lake, some uphill climbing is required. But it's not a long climb. However the walk down to the lakeside is much steeper. I saw some people abandoning it a quarter of the way down.
Lots of ducks in lake.
Staff hang around up top to provide information. Ask about the ancient dwellings in walls beside lookout point.
Lots of ducks in lake.
Staff hang around up top to provide information. Ask about the ancient dwellings in walls beside lookout point.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C S
2 contributions
Mar 2022
Beautiful place, however! We were at the well today, I became short of breath and we headed back down the path the way we came up, as we started down we saw an elderly man fall on the path. He was bleeding and laying on the ground. I hurried back down to the rangers and told them that a man had fallen and needed assistance, and that he was bleeding. One ranger started up the trail but didn't take anything to help him with her. I went on to the car and got paper towels and a bottle of water out of the car and after using my inhaler started up the path again. The second ranger was there and I asked him if he had a first aid kit and he slowly walked toward the bathrooms. My companion had stayed with the man and he came down thinking that the rangers would be helping the man. The rangers walked down the path with the man but didn't seem to offer much assistance other than handing him paper towels that I had sent up. When he got back down to the parking lot I did step in and help him wipe the blood from his face with a damp paper towel and helped him in to his vehicle. The rangers just stood there and didn't seem willing or capable of offering any assistance. The man's wife drove him to an urgent care facility and we asked the rangers why they didn't assist him and they told us they weren't "allowed" to help.
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liam_Ragan
Montreal, Canada172 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
As someone interested in both the ecological and indigenous history of this area this was the most rewarding stop of the trip. We went by accident when we accidentally put in Montezuma Well instead of Montezuma Castle into the GPS, but I’m so glad we did. Ruins, caves, ducks, and 5 species found only in that one lake smaller than a football field.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karla W
Portsmouth, NH104 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
This park is so great and never gets any attention. The rangers there are very friendly and helpful. It’s a reasonable walk - less than a mile - to do the loop. Going down the steps would be tough for anyone with walking difficulties, but the rest of the park can be enjoyed. Only five species live in this well! It’s fascinating. Some shade to get out of sun. Preferred route is from the south through McGuireville as road is paved the entire way. Google kept insisting on sending me north to a dirt road access that was closed for weather.
Written February 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HCrowder
Chester, VA830 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
Make sure to check website for hours/fees.
I arrived with about 20-minutes before closing. The NPS Ranger was kind enough to allow me to hurry up the steps for a few pictures and had the stamps for my Passport waiting for me upon my return.
I arrived with about 20-minutes before closing. The NPS Ranger was kind enough to allow me to hurry up the steps for a few pictures and had the stamps for my Passport waiting for me upon my return.
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know if this Montezuma Well Loop Trail is open for hiking right now during Covid? If so is it really busy on the weekends?
Cjr2407
15 contributions
This virus thing has everything turned upside down. Try calling a nearby visitor center or the Sedona Chamber of Commerce to see if they have any updates.
Jenna M
Hoboken20 contributions
Any recommendations for a quick bite near here? We will be driving from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and stopping here along the way around lunch time. Don't want to spend too much time eating as we want to get to the Grand Canyon before sunset. Gabriela's tacos has mixed reviews. Verde Brewing seems like a good option, although not sure if it's quick or not. Appreciate any reccos!
Karlene V
Rimrock, AZ5 contributions
If you are going to Montezuma's Well, there are no fast food places in Rimrock. Robbie's is close by, but not quick like fast food. They have pizza, burgers, etc. There is also El Patio as you pull off the highway. It has good Mexican food and is pretty quick.
TucsonBorn
Tucson, AZ182 contributions
How much time is needed here? We will be driving by this site around noon on. 90 degree day and wondering if we should skip it because my Mom does not do well in the heat. Is it a short enough stop that she could wait in the car with the AC? Or is it not too bad when the temps are upper 80s due to the shade ?
Don'tWaitForRetirement
California4,869 contributions
Anywhere from 15 mins to an hour. We stayed about an hour, lingering to read signs, take photos and get a Nat’l Park stamp and walked some of the trails. If you parked, walked in, saw the well and walked out again, you could stay 15 mins.
Jennifer C
2 contributions
Is it possible to visit at sunrise for photography?
Peglova
64 contributions
Sorry. I just read the question. Hours are posted. I’d contact the park. There are plenty of places along the road to stop for sunrise and photos, however.
garysE688TD
Reno, NV15 contributions
do you have airport parking
SueinSalem
Salem, OR3,135 contributions
The closest airport to Montezuma Well National Monument would be at Sedona (18 miles) and next closest is Flagstaff (47 miles). The closest major airport is Phoenix which is a two-hour drive (97 miles) south of Montezuma Well National Monument. So the answer depends on which airport.
Montezuma Well National Monument (Rimrock) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Montezuma Well National Monument
- Montezuma Well National Monument is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Montezuma Well National Monument tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Montezuma Well National Monument tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Montezuma Well National Monument:
- (9.79 mi) Cozy Cactus Bed and Breakfast
- (9.28 mi) Grace's Secret Garden B&B
- (9.78 mi) Canyon Villa Bed and Breakfast Inn of Sedona
- (9.78 mi) The Penrose Bed & Breakfast
- (8.38 mi) Adobe Hacienda Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Montezuma Well National Monument:
- (9.02 mi) Red Rock Cafe
- (8.27 mi) Moscato Italian Restaurant
- (8.77 mi) Miley's Cafe
- (8.72 mi) Verde Brewing Company
- (8.73 mi) Rotten Johnny's Wood-Fired Pizza Pie
Montezuma Well National Monument Information
Excellent Reviews | 362 |
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Very Good Reviews | 203 |
Montezuma Well National Monument Photos | 661 |