Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

The Casa Grande Ruins are only slightly closer to Phoenix than to Tucson, located in the small, desert town of Coolidge. It is an easy drive to make, no matter which direction you are coming from, and there is plenty of beautiful scenery to view on the way. We particularly enjoyed the mountain landscapes along the Arizona State Route 387. If you are coming from Tuscon, then you’ll have the pleasure of driving by Picacho Peak State Park (a worthwhile stop).

The ruins are located in a desolate lot across from a shopping center. If you are need of a quick bite, you’ll find there are plenty of options nearby. There is a short drive down the road until you reach the parking lot for the ruins. This site no longer requires fee for visiting.

The first thing we noticed about this site was how crowded it was. Sure, it was prime visitor time to Arizona and it would have been expected at a park such as the Grand Canyon or Saguaro. We lucked out in grabbing a spot that had just been vacated, otherwise we would have been driving around in circles waiting for a spot!

This park is easily accessible and is great for visitors of all types. There is a lot to learn in the visitor center that offers a museum full of artifacts and an orientation film on the site. After visiting the museum, there is a back exit out of the visitor center that allows access to the ruins. Walking paths can take visitors around the ruins to view them up close.

Eusebio Francisco Kino was the first European to document the ruins in 1694, calling it the Casa Grande, or “Great House.” The purpose of this structure and compound are not clear, as it had been abandoned for a long time before Father Kino made his account of the structure and there were no historic accounts of it prior to his. When the area became more heavily trafficked in the late 1800s, concerns over vandalism had caused a petition for the U.S. government to take steps to protect and repair the ruins. Luckily, with approval from President Benjamin Harrison, the site was set as a reserve and repairs were able to go forward. Thanks to those who had worked so hard to protect the ruins, we are able to visit them today and know that they have remained relatively unchanged for the last 80 years.

Overall, Casa Grande Ruins may not have the scenic views that the nearby Saguaro National Park holds, but its historical significance and unique culture lends to a fascinating visit worth the time.

Here are our helpful tips on visiting Casa Grande Ruins National Monument:

• Best time to visit: anytime other than Summer. It can get very hot here in the summer, plus summer runs the risk of developing dangerous monsoon storms in the area.
• Sunscreen, hats, and water for any time of the year. This is a sunny place and it’s a desert climate, it’s always important to have sun protection and hydration.
• After visiting the ruins, spend some time in Coolidge. Cotton is the main industry in Coolidge, a history you can learn about in the Coolidge Historical Society Museum.
• The neighboring town of Florence isn’t far and has an amazing historical district that boasts some pretty fantastic architecture.