Papago Park, Phoenix
Papago Park, in the City of Phoenix, is noted for its distinctive red rock formations. Take the short hike (0.22 miles) to Hole-in-the-Rock, a Phoenix landmark, and gain insight to the area's geological history. And if you look closely at the boulders and bedrock you may discover what the Hohokam Indians have long known: the tafoni (holes in the rock caused by weathering) and rays of the sun can be used to mark the solstices and equinox. Yet there is more to Papago Park than sandstone and Phoenix hiking trails. Try your hand at orienteering, test your skills on the archery range, cast a line in the fishing pond, enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch and discover a different kind of outdoor family fun.
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Getting there
Papago Park, located in the City of Phoenix, is accessible from Galvin Parkway just north of Van Buren Street.
Getting around
The Hole-in-the-Rock trail may be the most popular in Papago Park but it is not the only. The short (0.25 mile) Nature Trail provides a great introduction to the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. The 4 mile (6.5 km) West Park Loop Trail, accessible to both hikers and mountain bikers, winds through the park's big buttes. All of the hiking trails in this 490-acre park are graded easy.
Opening hours
The park is open daily from 5:00 to 23:00. Orienteering and other outdoor classes are scheduled from time to time.
Fees
Entrance to the park is free of charge.
Things to keep in mind
Both the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden are located within Papago Park.
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