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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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