The Hohokam Pima National Monument in Arizona preserves ancient ruins and artifacts of the Hohokam people, who inhabited the area over 1,000 years ago.
Details
Hohokam Pima National Monument
The Hohokam Pima National Monument is located in southern Arizona, near the Gila River Indian Community. It was established to preserve the remains of the Hohokam culture, one of the prehistoric indigenous peoples of the region. The monument encompasses two Hohokam archaeological sites: the Sears-Kay Ruin and the South Mountain Ruin. These ruins provide valuable insight into the lives of the Hohokam people, who inhabited the area from around 300 AD to 1450 AD.
Features
Archaeological Sites: The Sears-Kay Ruin and the South Mountain Ruin are both well-preserved Hohokam village sites. Visitors can explore the remains of ancient adobe structures, ball courts, and irrigation canals.
Visitor Center: The monument has a visitor center with exhibits on the history and culture of the Hohokam people. Park rangers are available to provide information and answer questions.
Hiking Trails: There are several hiking trails in the monument that offer opportunities to see the ruins up close and enjoy the desert landscape. The trails vary in difficulty and length.
Picnic Areas: There are designated picnic areas within the monument where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Ecological Significance
The Hohokam Pima National Monument is located in the Sonoran Desert, one of the most biologically diverse deserts in the world. The monument is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including saguaro cacti, desert tortoises, and Gila monsters. Preservation of the monument helps protect these species and their habitats.
Hohokam Pima National Monument
Points of Interest
Points of Interest in Hohokam Pima National Monument
Snake Town Ruins: The Snake Town Ruins are one of the main attractions in the Hohokam Pima National Monument. This archaeological site features the remains of an ancient Hohokam village, including adobe walls, irrigation canals, and pit houses.
Platform Mound: The Platform Mound is a large, flat-topped structure that was likely used for ceremonial purposes by the Hohokam people. Visitors can climb to the top of the mound for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Visitor Center: The Visitor Center at the Hohokam Pima National Monument offers exhibits on the history and culture of the Hohokam people, as well as information on the archaeological sites within the park. Visitors can also pick up trail maps and learn about guided tours.
Hiking Trails: The Hohokam Pima National Monument has several hiking trails that lead visitors through the desert landscape to various archaeological sites. The trails vary in length and difficulty, offering opportunities for visitors of all ages and fitness levels to explore the park.
Wildlife Viewing: The Hohokam Pima National Monument is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. Visitors may spot species such as roadrunners, coyotes, and desert tortoises while exploring the park.
Hohokam Pima National Monument – Images
Description: Hohokam Pima National Monument — a Hohokam cultural site, in Pinal County, Arizona.
Currently closed to the public.
Image by Steve Schmorleitz – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Hohokam Pima National Monument — a Hohokam cultural site, in Pinal County, Arizona.
Currently closed to the public.