Montezuma Well — Desert Oasis Exploration

Find a giant spring-fed sinkhole, ancient homes and a centuries-old irrigation system hiding together in the Verde Valley.

Montezuma Well is a natural limestone sinkhole continuously supplied by underground spring water. Ancient cliff dwellings, pueblo remains, a pithouse and a centuries-old irrigation canal survive around the site.

THE EXPERIENCE

Walk to the rim and find the enormous spring-fed sinkhole hiding in the Verde Valley. Then scan its walls until you locate evidence that people made homes beside this improbable desert water source centuries ago. Find the Well and one ancient dwelling.

ONCE YOU’RE THERE

From I-17 use Exit 293 and follow the paved signed route through McGuireville and Rimrock to Montezuma Well. Do not follow GPS shortcuts onto unmaintained Forest Service roads. Park in the main Montezuma Well parking area near the contact station. Follow the established trail to the rim overlook, then use the open designated paths to explore the archaeological features and Well. Observe all seasonal trail closures and return to the main parking area.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Well is free to visit even though nearby Montezuma Castle charges an entrance fee. Use the signed paved approach from I-17 rather than allowing GPS to send you onto rugged backcountry Forest Service roads.

FEES & ACCESS

No mandatory entrance, parking, access, permit, reservation, or similar fee is required to complete this Adventure as routed.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Swallet Trail is seasonally closed May 1 through July 31.