Back country tour of Casa Grande--this month only

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

Indian music festival at Casa Grande this weekend

Looking for something a little unusual and "off the beaten path," in terms of culture? This weekend, January 30 and 31, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument near Tucson may have something for you: The 2nd Annual American Indian Music Fest.

Native American music is perhaps best known by the drum beats featured in pop-culture Western movies. But Native music is far more than drums: Many of the featured artists at this year's festival are flute players, but at least one musician on the docket features classic guitar. Traditional native dances will also take a spot at the festival.

And what festival would be complete without vendors offering related items for sale, and of course, food booths. Unfortunately, there is no camping available at the monument, other than "VIP" spots, apparently only available by special request. There are several commercial RV parks near Coolidge, the town in which the monument is located.