Papago Park Is The Place To Be
Why you should take a look
It’s free, is located in the middle of the city, and showcases some of the urban deserts unique landscapes. The red sandstone that was formed over 15 million years ago has been molded into what we see today due to erosion and lack of seismic activity. Click here for some more information.
The famous “Hole-in-the-rock” formation, is a great place to take some pictures, or see the colorful sunset that Arizona has to offer. Over time, the harsh weather conditions of our monsoons helped to erode small holes that one day grew to be what we know as hole-in-the-rock.
What was once a mountain is now the angular formations that we know of when someone says, go to Papago Park. It helps to represent what makes the Sonoran Desert so special. Scattered throughout the park you will witness the Saguaro Catus to different birds and plants that decorate this landscape. The area is perfect for a easy hike, running, or for some easier mountain biking.
Warning ⚠️: Most of the trails are pretty short and there are a few water fountains scattered, still plan to bring extra water and wear sunscreen. It is the desert and temperatures as well as the weather can affect even the most experienced hiker.
Papago Park Trailhead
Trailhead Hours: 5 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Trail Hours: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Location: 625 N. Galvin Pkwy
- Galvin Bikeway Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation: 50 ft
- Fun Fact: Is a paved trail that connects the zoo and gardens together.
- Hole-in-the-Rock-Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.2 miles
- Elevation: 200 ft
- Fun Fact: Great place to take pictures or watch the sunset over the valley, but be warned, it can get very busy with tourists.
- Nature Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.5 miles
- Elevation: 20 ft
- Crosscut Canal Path
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation: 20 ft
- Fun Fact: The trail has various entry points and you will pass by The Phoenix Zoo and The Desert Botanical Gardens.
Papago West Park Trailhead
Trailhead Hours: Sunrise -Sunset
Trail Hours: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Location: 626 N. Galvin Pkwy
- Big Butte Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Elevation: 115 ft
- Fun Fact: This trail features some of the deserts Saguaro Cactus and the famous Jumping Cholla Cactus , or also known also as Teddy Bear Cactus, which isn’t one you want to hug.
- Double Butte Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Elevation: 50 ft
- Fun Fact: Best to hike it April – Oct to see the wildflowers.
- Little Butte Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.5 miles
- Elevation: 50 ft
- Elliot Ramada Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Elevation: 120 ft
Have you visited Papago Park? Did you enjoy the park and would you go again? Have any other parks that we should try? Let us know in the comments section. Thanks for visiting our site and check back for other destinations.
The information on this website has come from research and by experiencing it ourselves. Opening hours, trail closures, prices, etc. are always subject to change. We try to keep up to date on any new information, or tips to help make your adventure more enjoyable.
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