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Ancient Phoenix by PaleoRob Are you looking to see some ancient ruins, but only have your lunchbreak to do so? Fear not, Phoenix has several easily accesible ancient sites within its borders. The largest public site is Pueblo Grande Museum and Ruins. Located in Phoenix just northwest of Sky Harbor International Airport, Pueblo Grande represents the largest, best preserved Hohokam Platform Mound still surviving in Arizona today. The trail starts just outside the museum, on the west side of the platform mound. Built of caliche and filled with ancient trash, it is suspected that these mounds were the residences of local leaders and religious figures. There are features found on the top of this mound (and others like it) that support this conclusion, such as the presence of solstice markers. The trail is paved, and has metal markers describing some of the items you are looking at. In addition to the platform mound loop, there is an optional loop around some unexcavated ruins, and some reconstructed pithouses and an adobe house compound that you can enter. There's also a ballcourt at the NW corner of the loop, and a Hohokam garden and agave-roasting oven. From the top of the platform mound, you can get a good idea on what all has changed since the Hohokam left the valley in the 1400's. Directly to the south Union Pacific trains rumble by. A modern diversion canal follows the route of an ancient Hohokam one. The roar of landing jets arriving at sky harbor is constant reminder of how far technology has come. The site is bordered on two sides by freeways. Ancient portions of the Pueblo Grande site have been lost to these modern developments. Inside the museum, there are excellent displays. One focuses on the Hohokam culture. Its rise and fall is chronicled by photos, artifacts, and both Native and Archeologic commentary. There is a large wall map that shows part of the extent of the Phoenix-area Hohokam. Its quite remarkable, superimposing that map onto modern Phoenix, how far-flung they were. There is also a rotating exhibit gallery that is usually very interesting. During my last visit it was a display on early ariel photography used in surveying Hohokam ruins in Phoenix. Check out the Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Pueblo Grande
spent the afternoon with my mom, my brother and his girlfriend
after late brunch at the ranch house grill, made a visit to the pueblo grande museum, hiking the little trail
the other day my mom mentioned that she would like to go up hayden butte, so we hit that too
we then inflicted "straight outta compton" on my mom
fun day with family
after late brunch at the ranch house grill, made a visit to the pueblo grande museum, hiking the little trail
the other day my mom mentioned that she would like to go up hayden butte, so we hit that too
we then inflicted "straight outta compton" on my mom
fun day with family
2016-02-20 trekkin_gecko
Pueblo Grande
AAS Meeting at Pueblo Grande
Went to the Phoenix Chapter of the Arizona Archeological Society (see => http://www.azarchsoc.org/ ) monthly meeting to hear Dr. Keith Kintigh (see => http://shesc.asu.edu/kintigh ) speak on the Zuni Lands in the wake of the Chacoan Collapse. Dr. Kintigh gave a fascinating talk about the existence of dozens of Chacoan "outliers" that post-date the 850-1150 Chacoan Period. This seems like perfect symmetry to our summer solstice visit (see => http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=11574 ) to Chaco Canyon and multiple outliers...
Kin Hocho'i, Kin Cheops, Ojo Bonito, H-Spear Site, Hinkson Site, Los Gigantes, Heshotatuthla, Howiku => here's enough "clues" to merit a future trip to Zuni Lands!
Also found it interesting that Dr. Kintigh has also had a research focus on Perry Mesa (see => http://www.azpbs.org/video/vidlink.php?vidId=793 ). This is another area of personal exploration...
Went to the Phoenix Chapter of the Arizona Archeological Society (see => http://www.azarchsoc.org/ ) monthly meeting to hear Dr. Keith Kintigh (see => http://shesc.asu.edu/kintigh ) speak on the Zuni Lands in the wake of the Chacoan Collapse. Dr. Kintigh gave a fascinating talk about the existence of dozens of Chacoan "outliers" that post-date the 850-1150 Chacoan Period. This seems like perfect symmetry to our summer solstice visit (see => http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=11574 ) to Chaco Canyon and multiple outliers...
Kin Hocho'i, Kin Cheops, Ojo Bonito, H-Spear Site, Hinkson Site, Los Gigantes, Heshotatuthla, Howiku => here's enough "clues" to merit a future trip to Zuni Lands!
Also found it interesting that Dr. Kintigh has also had a research focus on Perry Mesa (see => http://www.azpbs.org/video/vidlink.php?vidId=793 ). This is another area of personal exploration...
2010-09-09 Randal_Schulhauser
Pueblo Grande
With Fabian. I've always been curious about this archeological site in the middle of Phoenix. Some interesting displays in the museum, particularly some of the more recent finds due to light rail construction. I found the quantity of wildflowers an unexpected treat. And if you want a spot to watch the "big birds" taking off, the platform mound may be the best spot in town...
PS. Couldn't beat the admission price today - free admission every Sunday...
PS. Couldn't beat the admission price today - free admission every Sunday...
2006-10-29 Randal_Schulhauser
