Papago Park
An Urban Desert Preserve
Papago Park is one of the most scenic and easily accessible desert areas in the Phoenix metro area. Explore its 1,500 acres filled with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and lagoons. Papago Park is also home to attractions including the “Hole in the Rock” hike, Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo and AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park.
Papago Park
Just 2 miles beyond the skyline of Downtown Tempe, and in the foreground of the Valley of the Sun’s famous Camelback Mountain, a collection of sandstone rock formations rise from the desert floor. These unmistakable buttes are known as Papago Park, an urban oasis located in the center of the nation’s fifth-largest metro area.
The park is home to generations of rich history, a wide variety of modern-day attractions, breathtaking views and more recreation opportunities than one itinerary could possibly hold, including several worthy hikes.
Top Trails
- At 2.3-miles, Double Butte Loop is a perfect, leisurely selection for both mountain bikers and casual hikers, thanks to the generally wide, flat dirt path that circumnavigates the massive sandstone buttes.
- The most popular path is Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, a 0.2 mile-hike that offers 200 feet of elevation gain, which leads to a very appropriately named formation: A hole in the rock’s ceiling that is believed to have been used by the ancient Hohokam civilization to track the position of the sun. This spot is bustling during sunset, but you’ll understand why once you see the views overlooking the lagoon and on to the distance skyline.
Things To Do Around Papago Park
Arizona Heritage Center
Discover Arizona’s history and visit the Arizona Heritage Center! Experience exhibits, go retro with Phoenix icons like Bob’s Big Boy and Wallace and Ladmo, hang out at an old-time general store, and take a look at a WWII training aircraft.
1300 N. College Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Desert Botanical Garden
Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. An Arizona icon celebrating 80 years, the Garden has grown into a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer.
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills
Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills is Arizona’s only fully lighted 18-hole, day/night golf course and practice facility. Located in the Papago Buttes and close proximity from Arizona State University, downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale.
1415 N. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85288
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. Over 70 classic pieces of firefighting apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 2004. Fire safety exhibits, games and activities for kids. A full-sized fire engine available for boarding. Open Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sun., open Mon. by appointment for guided group tours.
6101 E. Van Buren St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Papago Golf Club
5595 E. Karsten Way
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phoenix Zoo | Arizona Center for Nature Conservation
Explore a world of curiosity, imagination and discovery at the Phoenix Zoo. See Sumatran tigers, Bornean orangutans, Masai giraffe and enjoy encounters such as Monkey Village and Harmony Farm. Your Zoo visit will be memorable for the entire family. Check the website for seasonal hours.
455 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
S’edav Va’aki (formerly Pueblo Grande) Museum & Archaeological Park
4619 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Take a Hike
Lace up your hiking boots as you explore Papago Park and other hiking trails in the Tempe area.
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Refuel at a Tempe Resaurant
Grab breakfast before that hike, eat some lunch after the Zoo or have dinner before watching the sunset
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Experience the Magic of the Desert Botanical Garden
Step out of the city and into the Sonoran Desert landscapes of the Desert Botanical Garden. Home to more than 50,000 arid plants from deserts around the world — from towering cacti to colorful wildflowers — this magical oasis invites you to immerse yourself in 140 acres of natural beauty.
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Downtown Tempe beckons those seeking to experience its vibrant atmosphere, nonstop events, lively nightlife, rooftop pools, globally influenced dining and Sonoran Desert recreation. Before planning your next itinerary, you’ll want to check out our top 14 reasons to visit.
