Papago Park

Geological Wonders

Walk through Papago Park and you're literally stepping on history that dates back 6-15 million years. The Hole-in-the-Rock is a natural geologic formation where openings have been slowly carved by erosion over millennia. We find it fascinating that the ancient Hohokam people might have used these formations as a celestial calendar to track solstices.

The striking red sandstone buttes create a dramatic landscape. If you're into photography, consider visiting during the golden hours - sunrise and sunset when the light transforms these rocks. Hiking up to Hole-in-the-Rock offers views of Phoenix, Camelback Mountain, and the surrounding desert.

Scattered palms in the park's desert landscape

Photo: sean hobson (CC BY 2.0)

Rich Historical Background

This park has worn many hats over the years. It started life as an Indian reservation back in 1879 before being designated a national monument in 1914.

During World War II, the park took on an unexpected role as a German prisoner-of-war camp. By 1959, ownership officially transferred to the city of Phoenix.

One of the more unusual features you'll come across here is Hunt's Tomb - a white pyramid that represents the final resting place for Arizona's first governor, George W.P. Hunt. It's not something you expect to see in the middle of the Arizona desert, which makes it all the more intriguing.

View from Little Butte east toward Desert Botanical Garden

Photo: Don DeBold (CC BY 2.0)

Trails for All Levels

Regardless of whether you're a casual walker or dedicated trail runner, there's something for you here. Most trails feature relatively smooth terrain with minimal elevation changes, making them accessible for a variety of activities.

The Double Butte Loop stretches 2.3 miles through the heart of the park and delivers stunning panoramic views in every direction - from Arizona State University campus to Four Peaks, Camelback Mountain, and downtown Phoenix. For a quick but rewarding trek, the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail gets you to that iconic viewpoint without much strain.

While the trails are generally well-marked with informative signage, bringing a map along might save you some head-scratching at trail intersections.

Panoramic view of the park landscape

Photo: Domenico Convertini (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Major Attractions

Beyond its natural landscape, Papago Park houses some significant Phoenix attractions. The Desert Botanical Garden showcases an impressive collection of desert plants from around the world, while the Phoenix Zoo offers a family-friendly wildlife experience.

The Hole-in-the-Rock remains the park's star attraction, offering a relatively easy hike with a big payoff. Come late afternoon and you'll join locals and visitors alike gathering to watch the sunset paint the sky over the Phoenix skyline - it's genuinely worth timing your visit for this.

The sunset casts long shadows in the park

Photo: Domenico Convertini (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Recreational Facilities

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Papago Golf Course, which represents the home course for Arizona State University's golf team. If fishing is more your style, the park features seven acres of stocked lagoons where you can cast a line while watching local waterfowl go about their day.

Within the park, you'll discover numerous covered picnic areas with tables, excellent for family gatherings or a peaceful lunch break. Clean restrooms are available, although note that some facilities close early in the evening.

Palm trees lean gracefully over one of the park's lakes

Photo: Doug Kerr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Wildlife and Nature

Despite sitting in the middle of a major metropolis, Papago Park maintains a surprising amount of wildlife. On a typical visit, you might spot rabbits darting between cacti, quail families parading in single file, roadrunners zipping past, or various bird species soaring overhead. The park's ponds create miniature oases, complete with palm trees that seem almost out of place yet perfectly at home.

The landscape showcases classic Sonoran Desert vegetation - various cacti standing sentinel among other drought-adapted plants - giving you a genuine glimpse into Arizona's remarkable native ecosystem.

Papago Park offers a convenient way to experience desert landscape and attractions without having to venture far from Phoenix.