A Visitor’s Guide to Papago Park: Hiking Trails, Attractions, and Scenic Views

Located just minutes from downtown Phoenix, Papago Park is a stunning desert park known for its distinctive red rock formations, scenic hiking trails, and family-friendly attractions. Spanning over 1,500 acres, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and golfing, as well as cultural attractions like the Desert Botanical Gardenand the Phoenix Zoo. With its iconic Hole-in-the-Rock formation and panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline, Papago Park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Papago Park is also home to important historical landmarks, including Hunt’s Tomb, a white pyramid perched on a hill that serves as the final resting place of Arizona’s first governor, George W.P. Hunt. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike, a peaceful picnic spot, or a chance to explore the desert landscape, Papago Park offers something for everyone.

A Natural Playground in the City

Papago Park’s red sandstone buttes, desert plant life, and serene fishing lagoons make it a unique natural space right in the middle of Phoenix. The park’s easy-access trails, scenic viewpoints, and proximity to cultural attractions make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Valley of the Sun.

What to See and Do at Papago Park

  1. Hole-in-the-Rock Trail:
    • The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail is one of Papago Park’s most iconic and easily recognizable features. This short, 0.3-mile hike leads to a large natural hole in the red sandstone butte, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding desert landscape.
    • Scenic Sunset Spot:
      • The Hole-in-the-Rock formation is a popular spot for watching the sunrise or sunset. From the top, you can see panoramic views of Phoenix, Tempe, and Camelback Mountain. The trail is short and easy, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
    • Geological Wonder:
      • The Hole-in-the-Rock is believed to have been used by the Hohokam people for solar observations. The light that shines through the hole during specific times of the year marks the solstices and equinoxes, making it an important archaeological site.
  2. Papago Ponds:
    • Papago Park is home to several fishing ponds known as the Papago Ponds. These ponds are stocked with catfish, trout, and other fish species, offering a relaxing spot for anglers to cast a line and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
    • Fishing and Picnicking:
      • The ponds are surrounded by picnic areas, shaded ramadas, and grassy spaces, making them a great location for families looking to enjoy a quiet afternoon. It’s also common to spot wildlife, including ducks, herons, and turtles, near the water.
  3. Hiking Trails:
    • Papago Park features a variety of easy to moderate hiking trails that wind through the park’s red rock formations and desert landscapes. The trails offer beautiful views of the buttes, cacti, and desert flora, making it a great place for nature walks and photography.
    • Double Butte Loop Trail:
      • The Double Butte Loop Trail is a 2.3-mile loop that circles the park’s two main buttes, offering scenic views and the chance to see the park’s signature rock formations up close. This trail is relatively flat and easy, making it accessible to most hikers.
    • Elliott Ramada Loop Trail:
      • The Elliott Ramada Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that passes by several shaded ramadas, perfect for picnicking and relaxing in the desert. The trail offers stunning views of the park’s sandstone buttes and is great for families and beginners.
  4. Hunt’s Tomb:
    • Perched on a hill within Papago Park, Hunt’s Tomb is a unique pyramid-shaped mausoleum that holds the remains of George W.P. Hunt, Arizona’s first governor, and his family. Built in 1931, the tomb offers visitors a fascinating piece of Arizona history and one of the park’s best viewpoints.
    • Historic Landmark:
      • The tomb is made of white granite and offers sweeping views of the Phoenix Zoo, Papago Buttes, and the Phoenix skyline. It’s a popular stop for history buffs and those interested in Arizona’s early political figures.
  5. Phoenix Zoo:
    • The Phoenix Zoo, located within Papago Park, is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the United States. It is home to over 3,000 animals, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and the zoo’s famous Sumatran tigers. The zoo offers visitors a chance to learn about wildlife conservation while enjoying interactive exhibits and family-friendly attractions.
    • Safari Cruiser and Petting Zoo:
      • The zoo offers a variety of experiences, including the Safari Cruiser, which takes visitors on a guided tour of the zoo, and the Harmony Farm, where children can interact with farm animals in the petting zoo.
  6. Desert Botanical Garden:
    • Adjacent to Papago Park is the Desert Botanical Garden, a world-class garden showcasing more than 50,000 desert plants from the Sonoran Desert and beyond. Visitors can explore beautifully landscaped trails, learn about desert ecology, and attend seasonal events like the Las Noches de las Luminarias.
    • Special Exhibits and Events:
      • The Desert Botanical Garden frequently hosts art exhibits, butterfly pavilions, and educational programs that highlight the importance of desert plant conservation. The garden is also known for its holiday lights event, which transforms the garden into a glowing desert wonderland during the winter months.
  7. Golfing at Papago Golf Course:
    • Papago Park is home to the Papago Golf Course, one of the most beloved public golf courses in Phoenix. The course features 18 holes of championship golf, stunning views of the Papago Buttes, and a driving range for practice.
    • Award-Winning Course:
      • Known for its challenging layout and well-maintained greens, Papago Golf Course has been a favorite among local golfers and tourists alike. The course offers both walkable terrain and carts for those looking to enjoy a scenic round of golf in the desert.
  8. Biking and Running:
    • Papago Park is popular with cyclists and runners thanks to its paved paths and wide, flat trails. The Crosscut Canal Path, which runs through the park, is a scenic route for both biking and running, connecting Papago Park to Tempe Town Lake and beyond.
    • Mountain Biking:
      • For mountain biking enthusiasts, the park’s dirt trails offer a fun and challenging ride through the desert landscape. The trails range in difficulty from beginner-friendly to more advanced, providing options for riders of all skill levels.
  9. Historic Arizona Military Museum:
    • Also located within Papago Park is the Arizona Military Museum, housed in a historic building that was once part of Camp Papago Park, a World War II POW camp. The museum features exhibits on Arizona’s military history, including artifacts from the Indian Wars, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War.
    • Interactive Exhibits:
      • Visitors can explore displays of military uniforms, weapons, and vehicles, as well as learn about the history of Arizona’s role in various conflicts and its contributions to the U.S. military.

How to Get There

Papago Park is centrally located in Phoenix, making it easy to access by car or public transportation.

  • Address: 625 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
  • Public Transport: The park is accessible via Valley Metro buses, and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is just a short drive away.
  • Parking: Free parking is available throughout the park at designated lots, including near the Hole-in-the-Rocktrailhead, the Phoenix Zoo, and the Desert Botanical Garden.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Papago Park is open year-round, with trails and attractions accessible during daylight hours.

  • Park Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
  • Admission: Free to access the park and most trails. Admission fees apply for the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Papago Park is during the fall, winter, and spring, when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities.

  • Fall and Winter (October to March): Cooler temperatures make this the most comfortable time for hiking, biking, and exploring the park.
  • Spring (March to May): Springtime brings blooming wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for picnicking and photography.

A Must-Visit for Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Papago Park is a desert oasis that offers something for everyone, from hiking and fishing to visiting world-class attractions like the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. Whether you’re enjoying the views from the top of Hole-in-the-Rock, exploring the park’s easy hiking trails, or simply relaxing by the ponds, Papago Park provides a serene and accessible escape into the beauty of the Sonoran Desert right in the heart of Phoenix.

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