Hohokam Pima National Monument

Things To Do Near Hohokam Pima National Monument

The Hohokam Pima National Monument is rich in Native American history and stunning desert scenery for RVers to enjoy. There are some hiking trails where you can climb a little higher to see the views. The area has a vast array of museums full of fascinating information and exhibits. The monument is also close to Phoenix and all the city has to offer.

Hiking Trails

• Quartz Peak

  Quartz Peak goes from the floor of Rainbow Valley to the Sierra Estrella summit. You will enjoy plenty of desert wildlife and plants on the way, as well as spectacular viewpoint areas. This trail is steep in some places, so you will want to be in good shape before exploring it. The trail is not well marked in places, but when you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a beautiful outcrop of white quartz.

  Location

  Sierra Estrella, Laveen Village, AZ 85339

  Length

  6.1 miles

  Intensity

  Difficult

• Goldmine Trail

  Goldmine Trail goes to San Tan and then the Moonlight Trail Loop. This is a popular spot that is good for any level of experienced hiker. Enjoy gorgeous wildflowers, Saguaro cacti, Joshua trees, and a chance to see wildlife here and there. This trail is well-groomed and works well for kids or dogs on a leash.

  Location

  34316 Goldmine Gulch Trail, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

  Length

  3.6 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Littleleaf Trail

  The Littleleaf Trail is a beautiful walk through the Arizona wildflowers. This trail is good for any skill level. You can bring your dog if it is kept on a leash. The scenery is beautiful, and it is not really crowded in that area. If you just want to get out and stretch your legs, this is the perfect spot for a brisk walk.

  Location

  Chandler Heights, AZ

  Length

  1.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

  Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is another park nearby preserving some Classic Period Hohokam structures. The history of these ruins goes back farther than written history. While you explore the ruins and learn about the ancient people, you will also notice the unique plants of the Sonora Desert. Plants like the Saguaro cacti and Ironwood are beautiful in bloom.

  Location

  1100 W. Ruins Drive, Coolidge, AZ 85128

• Arizona Boardwalk

  Travel a little north of the park, and you can visit the Arizona Boardwalk. This park will add some fun to your trip with an aquarium, bumper boats, and a dinosaur. They also have an ice bar, restaurants, and a gift shop on the property.

  Location

  9500 East Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Museums

• Chandler Museum

  The Chandler Museum has a fascinating collection of photographs and artifacts documenting the area’s history. The museum is housed in a renovated historic house that provides an archive and research site while still being in the National Register of Historic Places. The free guided tours inform you about the architectural and artistic parts of the museum. 

  Location

  300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler, AZ 85226

• Huhugam Heritage Center

  The Huhugam Heritage Center celebrates the people, art, and culture of Arizona. Exhibits feature jewelry, pottery, carved stone bowls, and tools made by Huhugam ancestors. They have baskets from the Breazeale Basket collection and Pee Posh pottery on exhibit as well.

  Location

  21359 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler, AZ 85226

• Arizona Railway Museum

  Arizona Railway Museum is in Tumbleweed Park. The museum celebrates trains in Arizona and the southwestern United States. They have an extensive collection of artifacts, including full-sized train cars and smaller items like lanterns, maps, documents, and track tools. Check out the audio/visual materials as well as photos, film, and recordings.

  Location

  330 E. Ryan Road, Chandler, AZ 98286

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Bashas’

  Bashas’ is a smaller store where it is easy to find everything you need. They have farm-fresh produce, expert butchers, a bakery, a deli, and a pharmacy. The deli offers Brick Oven-Style Pizza with Wisconsin cheese. You will find all the fresh supplies you need before heading out on your desert adventure.

  Location

  10325 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

• SanTan Village

  SanTan Village is an open-air mall where you can find a little bit of everything at the variety of big box and specialty stores. You will be able to find clothes, electronics, books, household items, or just about anything you may need to stock up your RV. There is also a nice choice of restaurants where you can find a bite to eat. 

  Location

  2218 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 235, Gilbert, AZ 85295

• First Watch

  First Watch serves healthy breakfast, brunch, and lunch with tasty salads, soups, and a variety of omelets. This restaurant has won awards from Consumer Reports and National Restaurant News. Try one of their specialty items like the loaded smoked salmon bagel or the pork carnitas omelet. They offer dine-in or curbside takeout.

  Location

  4955 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, AZ 85248

• Nando’s Mexican Café

  If Mexican food is more to your liking, you may want to check out Nando’s Mexican Café. This is a casual, family-friendly restaurant with authentic Mexican and Mexican-inspired dishes. For added convenience, you can even reserve a table online.

  Location

  1890 W. Germann Road, Chandler, AZ 98286

How To Get To Hohokam Pima National Monument

The closest city to Hohokam Pima National Monument is Phoenix, Arizona. Starting there, you will want to merge onto I-10 East. You will cross over the Salt River. At the I-143 interchange, stay on I-10 and continue south. At the I-202 interchange, stay on the route going south. Follow that to Exit 167 for Riggs Road. Turn left onto East Riggs Road. Drive through the interchange and take the next right turn going south. Follow that to Goodyear Road, and turn right. The monument is about 5 miles from there.

Address

Gila River Indian Reservation, Chandler, AZ 85249

Fee: Entry prohibited

The monument, which is under tribal ownership, is not open to the public.

The Hohokam Pima National Monument was created to protect the “Snaketown” village that was inhabited from 300 BC to around 12 AD. In modern times, it is located on the Gila River Indian Reservation and under tribal ownership. This area of Arizona is rich in ancient history. Nearby the monument, you will find hiking trails, museums, and plenty of flora and fauna. The blooming cacti, volcanic rock formations, and wildlife work together to make the Arizona desert a fascinating place to visit. The best way to visit the area around this national monument is in an RV.