Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where can I park my trailer or RV?


The main visitor parking area includes a large area specifically marked for parking large RVs, busses, and vehicles towing trailers. The parking area is large and generally provides sufficient maneuvering space for even large motorhomes and towed vehicles without disconnecting. There is NO overnight parking within the park boundaries. top »



 

Can I use my cell phone in the park?


Cell phone service is available in the park, but do not depend on it. Signal availability and strength varies depending on your service provider. top »



 

Are pets allowed in the park?


Well behaved pets are allowed in outdoor areas provided they are restrained by a leash and are in the control of an adult. Leashes must be six feet in length or less. When you bring your pet to the park be aware of your surroundings. Respect the rights of others who may have a fear of your pet, even a friendly one. Remember that your pet may be more susceptible to heat stress than you since its body mass is closer to the hot ground surface. top »



 

How far is it to…?

Albuquerque, NM 435

Augusta, ME 2,820

Bismarck, ND 1,590

Boston, MA 2,670

Cheyenne, WY 980

Chicago, IL 1,770

Cleveland, OH 2,030

Dallas, TX 1,020

Denver, CO 875

El Paso, TX 385

Helena, MT 1,240

Las Vegas, NV 350

Lincoln, NE 1,365

Los Angeles, CA 430

Madison, WI 1,835

Miami, FL 2,320

Nashville, TN 1,650

New Orleans, LA 1,480

Phoenix, AZ 55

Pittsburgh, PA 2,074

Portland, OR 1,390

San Diego, CA 370

San Francisco, CA 805

Savannah, GA 2,050

Seattle, WA 1,560

Topeka, KS 1,270

Tucson, AZ 70

Note: Distances are in miles via the most direct route

 

How many people visit Casa Grande Ruins each year?

Our “busy-season” begins in mid-November and extends through early-May. Annual visitation statistics for the the past ten years:

2007 – 76,854

2006 – 88,295

2005 – 97,214

2004 – 93,933

2003 – 87,687

2002 – 85,375

2001 – 132,630

2000 – 124,130

1999 – 151,195

1998 – 150,715

1997 – 157,447

For further statistical information, please visit NPS Stats.

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When did the Federal Government begin protecting Casa Grande Ruins?


Casa Grande Ruin Reservation was created on June 22, 1892 by order of President Benjamin Harrison and was in fact, the first prehistoric and cultural site to be established in the United States. In 1918 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it to be Casa Grande National Monument. Subsequent congressional acts in 1926 and 1930 called it Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and the National Park Service Chief Historian recommended on December 17, 1991 that it be formally recognized as Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. top »



 

How large is Casa Grande Ruins National Monument?


President Wilson’s initial proclamation set aside 480 acres to be protected. An act in 1926 reduced that area to 472.5 acres. top »



 

What’s the normal seasonal rainfall at Casa Grande Ruins?

The average annual rainfall at Casa Grande Ruins is 8 to 10 inches. Roughly half falls during the winter months, the other half during the thunderstorm season in July and August. top »

 
Daily highs are routinely over 100 degrees from June through August.

What are the seasonal temperature ranges at Casa Grande Ruins?

This is desert country. Summer daytime temperatures frequently 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. top »

 

Are guided tours available?


Casa Grande Ruins staff and volunteers provide several scheduled interpretive tours each day starting in November and extending through April. Tours are conducted outdoors on level ground along a 500 yard, wheelchair accessible path and take about 30 minutes.

Visitors are also welcome to take self-guided tours during normal operating hours. Interpretive wayside signs are distributed throughout the visitor area and provide a good overview of the prehistoric Casa Grande community and its original inhabitants. top »



 

What is the entrance fee?

Please visit our Fees and Reservations page for more information. top »



 
The current Great House shelter was constructed in 1932.

WACC Photo

How old is the shelter covering the Casa Grande?

The original shelter roof was constructed in 1903 of redwood timbers and corrugated iron and by the mid-1920s it had begun to deteriorate. Although Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. designed a new roof in 1928, funding for the project was not appropriated until 1932. Construction of the new roof was completed on December 12, 1932. Its final cost was $27,724.12, which included $4,000 for engineering and design costs. top »

 
An elderly saguaro cactus.

Jim Creager Photo

How old are the saguaro cacti in the park?

Saguaro (pronounced sah-war-oh) cacti, Carnegiea gigantea, only grow in the Sonoran Desert and are the largest cacti in the U.S. Growth rates vary depending on climate, precipitation, and location. The first branches or “arms” begin to appear when the plant is 50 to 70 years old. The saguaro grows slowly and a 10-year old plant may be less than 2-inches tall. A mature adult saguaro may be as tall as 40-50 feet, may weigh 6 tons or more, and is generally considered to be about 125 years old. The average life span of a saguaro is about 150 years. top »

Last updated: May 25, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1100 W. Ruins Drive
Coolidge, AZ 85128

Phone:

520 723-3172
General park contact number includes a phone tree for finding the employee you wish to contact. Callers may dial zero for the phone attendant. Voicemail is available for many of the extensions.

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