Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Categorized | Arizona, Arizona attractions, Arizona national parks

Must-See Sights in Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Posted on 08 July 2009
Tags: Arizona, caliche, casa grande ruins, great house, native american tribes

In North America, Casa Grande “Great House” Ruins National Monument is protected by the United States government, located in flat terrains of Central Arizona between the Santa Cruz and Gila Rivers with its nearby towns Coolidge and Casa Grande, which also named after the monument. Proclaimed as an archeological reserve, Casa Grande was brought to life because of the Hohokam builders during the 14th century. The ruins of the ancient inhabitants in the region then became a wide-known attraction today, making another mark to the country of Arizona.

Its Astrological Concept

Casa Grande Ruins remains stiff since the ages as it is protected by a metal canopy, used to deflect the sun and heat that usually strikes portions of Arizona having the extreme temperatures reaching 80 degrees even during winter and most especially during summer seasons. If you may come to think deeper, this great monument and the purpose of creating it remains a mystery and to most archeologist too. Even if they have traced ancient details found in the vicinity, still the reason behind this attraction is not answered. Although some people may also believe that it as a product of astrological observatory due to positioned building details and astrological alignment to sun and moon rays, it seems that it undergone certain studies and measurements.

Measuring 60×40 feet with walls more than a meter thick, the most protected walls of Casa Grande is supported by wooden beams and in the exteriors, it has the fashioned material called caliche, also known as the naturally-occuring soil made of sand, calcium carbonate and clay, mainly found in deserts of Southwest America which make the monument stand its precious throne until now. Proving the material’s efficiency, many of Native American tribes also have used this kind of ingredient in variety of constructions.

The Tough Resources

Taking a closer look at the environment, definitely you would keep your attention to the main “Great House” as Casa Grande is safely protected in its fragile condition through its strong boundaries, prohibiting public viewing insides and that is also the reason why tours have to be scheduled in earlier time. However, guests can still explore the exterior of the monument where taking photographs are highly applicable. Moreover, guided tours would always be available on different seasons from January to April which are conducted by the National Park rangers to help most out of all roaming activities as well as tour suggestions.

Visitor Center’s Accomodation

Near the entrance, you can see the monument’s Visitor Center providing a home for the monument’s small museum that includes the ancient materials used by the early builders as well as the artifacts, all appealing to the observer’s eyes. The Visitor Center also includes a bookstore and a place for visitor’s toilet needs. Aside from that, children can also join the rangers to participate in the Junior Ranger program having most interesting information about the monument given by the Visitor Center where they can easily place their badges for every visit around the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. For the joy of group tours, the picnic area serves as a great place having shady areas across the parking lot that provides a view of the ball court where people pass easily after going to the Visitor Center.

Then again, for great tours and deals, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument shares a simple yet remarkable sight for all ages. Even though it does not recommend reservations, still the accommodation of the tours makes everything possible through the monument’s ranger programs. Find more of the latest tours in Casa Grande Ruins here: http://www.arizona-leisure.com/casa-grande-ruins.html

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