
Casa Grande Ruins
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."
- VISITATION:
- Casa Grande Ruins receives about 165,000 visitors per year.
The highest visitation is from January through April; lowest from
June through August.
- ADDRESS:
- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
1100 Ruins Drive
Coolidge, Arizona 85228
- TELEPHONE:
- (520) 723-3172
(520) 723-7209 (Fax)
- OPERATING HOURS:
- Open all year from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed December
25.
- CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
- This is desert country. Summer daytime temperatures may
exceed 100 degrees. Winter temperatures range from the 60's to
the 80's. Spring and fall are warm and dry, with highs in the
80's and 90's.
- DIRECTIONS:
- The park is in Coolidge, Arizona, about an hour-long drive
from either Phoenix or Tucson. From Interstate 10 take the
Coolidge exits and follow the signs to the park entrance off
Arizona Route 87/287.
- TRANSPORTATION:
- Transportation to the park is by private vehicle. There is a
short walk around the grounds.
- FEES, COSTS, RATES:
- The entrance fee is $2.00 per person, with a maximum of $4.00
per car. Children 16 and under are admitted free. Golden Eagle,
Golden Age, and Golden Access Passport cards are honored.
- FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
- There is an information counter, a museum exhibit area, a
book store, a public phone, rest rooms, drinking fountains, and a
wheelchair available.
- Trails, Roads:
- The visitor center and parking lot are located at the end of
a 7/8 mile long paved entrance road. The site is fully
accessible with level paved and packed-dirt surfaces. From the
visitor center there is a 300 yard self-guided walking trail
around the ruins with wayside signs provided.
- Programs/Activities:
- There are regularly scheduled guided tours from January
through April. Advance-requested guided tours are provided for
school and tour groups during the rest of the year depending on
staff availability. There is a Junior Ranger activities booklet
(sales item) which can be completed for a Junior Ranger badge.
Also available are school pre-visit packets for educators.
- Lodging and camping facilities:
- There are no lodging or camping facilities at the Monument.
Lodging and RV/camping facilities are available in nearby
Coolidge and the surrounding area.
- Food/supplies:
- Though not available at the Monument, all food and supplies
can be found in Coolidge.
- Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
- There is a picnic area with covered and uncovered tables, and
drinking water is available.
- Accessibility:
- All facilities and the Ruins Trail are fully accessible.
- RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
- Take a guided and/or self-guided Ruins tour, view the visitor
center museum exhibits, and use the picnic facilities.
- RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
- Reservations are recommended for school and tour groups.
Special use permits may be required for certain activities.
- BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Allow about an hour to visit the Ruins. During summer
months, be prepared for hot temperatures. Protective clothing,
hats, sunscreen and personal water containers are highly
recommended.
- SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
- Special archeological tours are offered during the Arizona
State Archeology Month in March. On National Parks Day, August
25, entrance fees are waived. During Native American Month in
November, special events are held throughout the local area.
Special tours and events are occasionally offered through a
permit system. Please call for further information.
- ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
- Located within a 40-mile radius of Casa Grande Ruins are the
following: The Gila River Arts and Crafts Center off I-10 at
exit 175; the Coolidge Historical museum in Coolidge; the Pinal
County Museum and McFarland State Park in Florence; the Casa
Grande Valley Historical Museum in the City of Casa Grande; the
Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior; Picacho Peak State Park
off I-10 at exit 219.
Last Updated: June 26, 1997
URL: www.nps.gov/cagr