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Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Coolidge, AZ

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 Akimel O'otham call the Hohokam, "those who are gone."

CONTACTS

Email - CAGR_Superintendent@nps.gov

Fax- 520-723-7209

Write to
1100 Ruins Drive
Coolidge, AZ 85228

Phone
Headquarters - (520) 723-3172

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Open all year from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed December 25

Getting There
CAR - Transportation is by private vehicle. 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.

Weather & Climate
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. During summer months, be prepared for hot temperatures. Protective clothing, hats, sunscreen and personal water containers are highly recommended.

Accessibility
All facilities and the Ruins Trail are fully accessible.

Getting Around
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.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
ENTRANCE FEE
$3.00 for One Time
The entrance fee is $3.00 per person. Children 16 and under are admitted free. The National Park Pass, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passport cards are honored.

FACILITIES

Visitor Centers
CASA GRANDE RUINS
Open All Year 8:00-5:00
Closures - Christmas Day
Special 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.
Exhibits - The Visitor Center includes a museum with exhibits.
Available Facilities - There is an information counter, a museum exhibit area, a book store, a public phone, rest rooms, drinking fountains, and a wheelchair available.

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