US Park Info: Casa Grande National Monument

For over a thousand years, prehistoric farmers inhabited much of the present-day state of Arizona. When the first Europeans arrived, all that remained of this ancient culture were the ruins of villages, irrigation canals and various artifacts. Among these ruins is the Casa Grande, or "Big House," one of the largest and most mysterious prehistoric structures ever built in North America. Casa Grande Ruins, the nation's first archeological preserve, protects the Casa Grande and other archeological sites within its boundaries.You are invited to see the Casa Grande and to hear the story of the ancient ones the Pima call the Hohokam, "those who are gone."

Basic Information
Getting There
PLANE - Nearest service is Phoenix or Tucson Airports

CAR -Located in Cooliedge, halfway between Phoenix and Tucson off I-10

Weather & Climate
Winter: Mild, ocassionally rain
Summer: Hot. During monsoon season (June thru September) thunderstorms
can occur in the afternoons

Accessibility
All facilities and ruins are accessible

Camping
There is no camping in the monument

Activities
Allow about an hour to visit the Ruins. Take a guided and/or self-guided Ruins tour, view the visitor center museum exhibits, and use the picnic facilities. The visitor center and parking lot are located at the end of a 7/8 mile long paved entrance road. From the visitor center there is a 300 yard self-guided walking trail around the ruins with wayside signs provided.