Tuzigoot National Monument

Tuzigoot National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Arizona.

In the park service’s words

Water flows under and through this landscape, feeding the growth of people and towns. The Verde Valley is watered by snowmelt, summer monsoons, and springs that well up from the ancient sedimentary rocks. In the heart of the valley, a thousand years ago, people began to build a little hilltop pueblo that would grow into one of the largest villages in the area.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Visit Tuzigoot Pueblo (45 to 60 Minutes): Walk the 0.3 mile trail that encircles the Tuzigoot pueblo, a 1,000 year old dwelling built by the Sinagua people.
• Become a Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot BARK Ranger (30 to 120 Minutes): Do you think your dog has what it takes to become an official Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot Bark Ranger? Stop by the visitor center to get certified. Certification allows you to purchase an exclusive BARK Ranger badge from the bookstore.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $10 per person. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 4:45PM. Tuzigoot National Monument is open every day with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. During regular operating hours, last vehicle entry is at 4:45 pm.

Getting there

From Phoenix or Flagstaff, take I-17 to exit 287, and then travel west on Highway 260 to Cottonwood. Once in Cottonwood, travel north through the town on Main Street. Just before entering the town of Clarkdale you will see signs directing visitors to the right, to Tuzigoot Rd.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• [Tuzigoot Visitor Center](): Daily, 9:00AM - 4:45PM. The visitor center is everyone's first stop to pay the entrance, learn about the park, visit the museum, and purchase items at the gift shop.

Weather

Summers are hot! Temperatures range from 95°F (35°C) to 115°F (46°C). There is no shade on the Pueblo Trail or Marsh Overlook Trail. Nighttime temperatures can be much cooler, around 70°F (21°C). From July through September, heavy monsoon rains are common in the afternoons. Winters are cooler, sometimes cold. Highs average around 55°F (13°C); lows can be around 15F (-10°C). Snow is rare, but possible. Rainy days are common in the spring.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Grand Canyon, about 89 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Tuzigoot National Monument (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.