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Papago Park, Phoenix
BEST
for
KIDS
ADDRESS
Papago Park Road
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
CONTACT DETAILS
ACTIVITIES
Cycling
Walking
Garden / Park
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.
- Travel Planning Essentials
- Trip Planner
- Fun Stuff for Kids
Getting There
Papago Park, located in the City of Phoenix, is accessible from Galvin Parkway just north of Van Buren Street.
- Map it!
- Google Maps
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.
- Trailheads & Trail Map
- City of Phoenix
Hours & Times
The park is open daily from 5:00 to 23:00. Orienteering and other outdoor classes are scheduled from time to time.
- Calendar of Events
- City of Phoenix
Things to Keep in Mind
Entrance to the park is free of charge. Both the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden are located within Papago Park.
BEST
for
KIDS
Papago Park West of Galvin: not for tots OR dogs
Submitted on 17 March 2011 by a kidscantravel.com member
I visited Papago Park, west of Galvin Parkway, this week. The scenery is lovely. We saw birds and lizards. The trails on the flats are fine. But beware of approaching the red rock formations. The approach is nothing but loose rock absolutely littered with shards of broken glass and is very slippery. It is very difficult to keep your footing. Recommended for kids 8 and up, who are wearing long pants and hiking boots. Don't try this wearing a child in a backpack, and don't bring your dogs. Also- no bathrooms on the west side of Galvin Parkway.
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