Papago Park

Papago Park is a municipally managed park on the eastern edge of central Phoenix and western Tempe, Arizona, known for its distinctive red sandstone buttes and easy hiking. The park contains notable natural features and major regional attractions.

Key points of interest include the natural outcrop called Hole-in-the-Rock, popular for short walks and city views, as well as the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden, both located at or near the park boundary and drawing large visitor numbers. Trails, picnic areas and golf facilities provide a mix of recreational uses in an urban setting.

The area’s sandstone formations are geologically distinctive and have been used as informal viewpoints and gathering places; park lands have been developed for recreation while preserving the rock outcrops and desert vegetation.

Papago Park lies within the Phoenix metropolitan area, adjacent to Tempe and roughly 8 to 10 km east of downtown Phoenix, forming a green-space bridge between neighborhoods and cultural attractions.

• Best time to visit: Hole-in-the-Rock offers one of the easiest short hikes to a prominent viewpoint and is particularly popular at sunrise or sunset for city and mountain views.
• Admission: The Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden are situated within or adjacent to the park but require separate admission and operate independently of park trails.

What to See #

• Hole-in-the-Rock: Hole-in-the-Rock, a natural red sandstone outcrop with a small carved slot used as a viewpoint over the valley and skyline.
• Zoo and Botanical Garden: Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, located at the park's edges and operated as separate attractions with admission fees.