Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is the country's first archaeological reserve, given that status back in 1892. While that may seem a few ages ago, the original settlers here, the Hohokam, made what the monument is today. Somewhere back in the 1200s, or so the scientific diggers tell us, these natives built structures out of caliche, or what contractors today would call hard pan.While those who visit the monument on your average day will get a shot at viewing The Casa Grande, or "The Big House" as the Spaniards dubbed it, most of the year the actual back country of the monument is closed to public traffic. Not so this month: On weekend mornings through Sunday the 28th, park rangers will lead special tours of the back country to see such sites as the Prehistoric Ballcourt, Compound B, and an ancient roasting pit or “horno.”
If you'd like to get in on a tour, either show up or call the park at 520-723-3172.
National Park Service photo
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