Special Backcountry Tours of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Slated for March

Special backcountry tours of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument will be offered in March. NPS photo.

As with Mesa Verde National Park, much of the backcountry at Casa Grande National Monument in Arizona normally is closed to the public to protect the artifacts. However, in March rangers will be leading special tours to some of the sites in celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month.

Highlights of the tours will include the "Prehistoric Ballcourt," "Compound B," and an ancient roasting pit or “horno.”

The tours will be offered on Saturday and Sunday mornings, starting on Saturday, March 6th, and ending on Sunday, March 28th. Each tour will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last approximately one hour. Visitors should plan to arrive at the park visitor center by 8:45 a.m. and will be charged regular entrance fees. All Federal Interagency Recreational Lands Passes will be honored.

Participants must be able to walk approximately 1.5 miles over uneven terrain. The area is not wheelchair accessible. Because the tour is conducted within a fragile archeological area, participants will not be allowed to leave the tour group once beyond the picnic area. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended, with clothing appropriate to the current weather conditions.

Each tour is limited to 10 persons. A sign-up sheet is available at the visitor center. Advance reservations are strongly recommended! You can reach the park at 520-723-3172.