Papago Park Phoenix: Hole in the Rock, Trails & Attractions
Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Papago Park is one of metro Phoenix's most distinctive urban desert parks, known for massive red sandstone buttes, easy hiking and biking trails, Hole in the Rock, fishing ponds and sweeping views across the Valley of the Sun. The park spans portions of Phoenix and Tempe and sits close to Scottsdale, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and many central Phoenix attractions.
Visitors come for short hikes, cycling, picnics, photography and family recreation, while major destinations within or beside the park include the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Golf Club and several historic sites.
- Papago Park Quick Facts
- Best Things To Do
- Hole in the Rock
- Hiking & Biking Trails
- Fishing Ponds
- Nearby Attractions
- Papago Park History
- Best Time To Visit
- Hours & Access
- Visitor Tips
- FAQ
Papago Park extends across the Phoenix-Tempe area and offers an unusually broad mix of desert recreation and major visitor attractions. Unlike Phoenix's much larger South Mountain Park and Preserve, Papago is compact and easy to explore, with short trails, picnic areas, fishing ponds, golf and cultural attractions all located close to major city streets.
Its central location makes Papago Park especially convenient for visitors staying in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe who want a quick introduction to Sonoran Desert scenery without leaving the metropolitan area.
Papago Park Hours & Access
- Trail hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- East of Galvin Parkway parking/entrance: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- West of Galvin Parkway parking: Sunrise to sunset
Parking and entrance hours are more limited than trail hours, so visitors planning sunrise or evening hikes should confirm which access area they intend to use.
Papago Park Quick Facts
- Location: Central Phoenix and Tempe, near Scottsdale
- Best-known landmark: Hole in the Rock
- Trail difficulty: Mostly easy, low-elevation desert trails
- Hole-in-the-Rock Trail: 0.2 mile
- Nature Trail: 0.5 mile
- 5K Fitness Trail: 3.1 miles
- Popular activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, photography and golf
- Major attractions: Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden
- Fishing: Papago Ponds are part of the park recreation area
- Trail hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Why Visit Papago Park?
Papago Park combines classic Sonoran Desert scenery with unusually easy access from central Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Most trails are short or relatively level, making the park popular for casual hiking, running, mountain biking and family outings.
The combination of Hole in the Rock, desert buttes, fishing ponds, picnic facilities, Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden makes Papago one of the easiest places in metro Phoenix to combine outdoor recreation with major visitor attractions in a single day.
Papago Park History
People have used the Papago Park landscape for centuries, and archaeological sites throughout the area preserve evidence of earlier Indigenous communities. The distinctive desert landscape later became the focus of preservation efforts as Phoenix and neighboring communities expanded.
Papago Saguaro National Monument was established in 1914 but abolished in 1930. During the 1930s, Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration projects added roads, trails, ramadas, fish hatchery ponds and other park facilities.
During World War II, part of Papago Park served as a prisoner-of-war camp for German prisoners. After the war, portions of the former camp were used for veterans and military purposes. The principal non-Tempe portion of Papago Park became a City of Phoenix park in 1959.
Best Things To Do At Papago Park
- Hike the short Hole-in-the-Rock Trail for panoramic city views
- Walk or bike the easy desert trails around the sandstone buttes
- Visit Desert Botanical Garden
- Spend time at Phoenix Zoo
- Fish at the Papago Ponds
- Photograph the buttes at sunrise or sunset
- Reserve a ramada for a picnic or gathering
- Play golf at Papago Golf Club
- Explore Hunt's Tomb and other historic features
- Use the Crosscut Canal Path or Galvin Bikeway for longer walks and rides
Hole in the Rock
Hole in the Rock is Papago Park's best-known natural landmark. The short trail wraps around the sandstone butte and climbs by dirt path and stone steps to a large naturally eroded opening overlooking the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The trail is only about 0.2 mile, but it gains approximately 200 feet and includes uneven rock and steps near the opening. The viewpoint is especially popular around sunrise and sunset, so expect more visitors during those times.
Best Time To Visit Papago Park
- Spring (March to May): Prime season with warm days, desert wildflowers, and excellent hiking weather.
- Summer (June to August): Visit early morning or near sunset. Hot afternoons, but beautiful desert skies during monsoon season.
- Fall (September to November): Excellent temperatures return with ideal hiking, biking, and photography conditions.
- Winter (December to February): Mild sunny days make Papago Park one of the best winter outdoor destinations in Phoenix.
Hiking & Biking At Papago Park
Papago Park's trails are generally easier than many mountain hikes around Phoenix because most have modest elevation gain and relatively smooth footing. Options range from very short nature walks to multi-mile loops suitable for walking, running and mountain biking.
Visitors should still prepare for exposed desert conditions. Shade is limited along many trails, and summer temperatures can become dangerous quickly even on short routes.
Popular Papago Park Trails
- Hole-in-the-Rock Trail: 0.2 mile, easy, about 200 feet elevation change
- Nature Trail: 0.5 mile, easy, about 20 feet elevation change
- Big Butte Loop: 0.8 mile, easy
- Little Butte Loop: 0.5 mile, easy, about 50 feet elevation change
- Double Butte Loop: 2.3 miles, easy
- Papago Park 5K Fitness Trail: 3.1 miles, easy, about 70 feet elevation change
- Elliot Ramada Loop: 2.7 miles, easy, about 50 feet elevation change
- Galvin Bikeway Trail: 1.4 miles, easy, about 50 feet elevation change
- Crosscut Canal Path: 1.4 miles, easy, about 20 feet elevation change
- Ranger Office Loop: 0.6 mile, easy, about 20 feet elevation change
Hiking & Biking Trail Map
Fishing At Papago Park
Papago Park includes fishing ponds that are part of the Phoenix-area urban fishing system. Species can include channel catfish, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, tilapia and carp, depending on stocking schedules and current conditions.
Fishing licenses, stocking schedules, species rules and daily limits can change, so anglers should check current Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations before fishing. Boating, swimming and wading are not permitted in the ponds.
Attractions At & Around Papago Park
Papago Park is surrounded by several of metro Phoenix's best-known attractions. The Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden are located within the broader Papago Park area, while Papago Golf Club, Hunt's Tomb, the Arizona Heritage Center and Hall of Flame Museum are also nearby.
This concentration of attractions makes Papago Park especially convenient for families and visitors who want to combine a short desert hike with other Phoenix activities in the same day.
Papago Park Visitor Tips
- Visit early morning or near sunset during warm weather.
- Carry drinking water even on short trails.
- Expect very limited shade on many desert trails.
- Wear sturdy shoes for Hole in the Rock and uneven sandstone surfaces.
- Do not climb closed or unstable rock areas.
- Check parking and entrance hours before an early or late visit.
- Reserve picnic ramadas when required.
- Check current Arizona Game and Fish rules before fishing.
- Keep dogs leashed and bring water for pets.
- Combine a park visit with Phoenix Zoo or Desert Botanical Garden for a full-day itinerary.
Papago Park Phoenix FAQ
Where Is Papago Park?
Papago Park is located in central metro Phoenix near Tempe and Scottsdale, just east of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
What Is Papago Park Known For?
Papago Park is best known for its red sandstone buttes, Hole in the Rock, easy hiking and biking trails, fishing ponds, Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden.
How Long Is The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail?
The City of Phoenix lists Hole-in-the-Rock Trail at approximately 0.2 mile with about 200 feet of elevation change.
Is Hole in the Rock A Difficult Hike?
The City rates the trail easy, but it includes dirt, stone steps, uneven rock and a short climb to the opening.
What Are Papago Park Trail Hours?
Papago Park trails are open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, although parking and entrance hours vary by area.
Can You Fish At Papago Park?
Yes. Papago Park has fishing ponds, but anglers should follow current Arizona Game and Fish licensing, stocking and harvest regulations.
Can You Swim In The Papago Park Ponds?
No. Swimming, wading and boating are not permitted in the fishing ponds.
Is Papago Park Good For Biking?
Yes. Several easy multi-use trails and bikeways cross Papago Park, including the Galvin Bikeway, Crosscut Canal Path and longer loop trails.
What Attractions Are Near Papago Park?
Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Golf Club, Hunt's Tomb, Hall of Flame Museum and the Arizona Heritage Center are all within or near the Papago Park area.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Papago Park?
Fall through spring generally offers the most comfortable weather. During summer, visit early in the morning or near sunset and avoid hiking during extreme heat.
Official Papago Park Information
City of Phoenix Papago Park Website
625 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, Arizona
Ranger Office: (602) 495-5458
Check the official City of Phoenix page for current parking hours, trail notices, closures, fire restrictions and facility information before visiting.
More Phoenix Outdoor Attractions
- Phoenix Arizona Visitor Guide
- Greater Phoenix Area Map
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Phoenix Zoo
- South Mountain Park
- Piestewa Peak Hiking
- Camelback Mountain
- Things To Do In Greater Phoenix
- Phoenix Weather
- Phoenix Area Attractions
Metro Phoenix
