The Casa Grande Ruins--the saguaro cactus places this scene in the Sonoran Desert

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Arizona

on a 4-Star Scale

The Monument Casa Grande Ruins NM protects a large ancient ruin of the Hohokam Indians inbetween Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona.  The Monument is located east of I-10 on Arizona 87/287.

Our Visit We visited Casa Grande Ruins as part of our 8-Park Southwest tour in March 2004.  In one day, we were able to see three ruins sites at Casa Grande, Tuzigoot and Montezuma Castle.

Our Weather Hazy and unseasonably warm at 85 degrees

Overall Impression Casa Grande Ruins are not as spectacular as many ancient Pueblo ruins. The ruins are in the middle of the desert, not a scenic canyon, and the modern-looking canopy (erected to mitigate erosion) stands in stark contrast to the crumbling adobe.  What makes Casa Grande worth visiting is the educational value.  Inside the visitors center is a fantastic museum with artifacts, models and drawings of ancient Hohokam life.  You can learn how these Indians used large mats to control irrigation via canals and how they got together with other villages in sporting contests.  A quick tour of the ruins themselves will give you a chance to learn more from the very knowledgeable rangers on site.

Visiting 1 to 2 hours is enough time to visit Casa Grande Ruins.  Be sure to take your time in the excellent visitor center/museum and consider tagging along on a guided tour of the ruins.

Other Nearby Attractions Saguaro NP

Photos Click on thumbnails to view larger image

The Casa Grande ruins are protected by a large canopy erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the first half of the 20th century

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