Papago Park
With plenty of green spaces throughout Scottsdale and Phoenix, these towns not only offer a vibrant downtown life but also opportunities for outdoor recreation right near the heart of the city. With the ability to enjoy the best of both worlds, Scottsdale makes an excellent getaway location!
Explore the Grounds of Papago Park
Offering stunning scenery right near the heart of Phoenix and Scottsdale, Papago Park is home to dramatic red butte formations, include the popularly photographed site Hole-in-the-Rock. Laced with hiking and biking trails and dotted with seven acres of stocked fishing lagoons, an outdoor adventure awaits in Papago Park!
You don’t always have to tackle tough terrain and massive summits to enjoy beautiful views. The Papago Park trails offer relatively smooth surfaces with little elevation gain, while at the same time weaving their way through eye-catching desert scenery. The accessibility of the trails makes this a popular location for a variety of outdoor activities, including walking, running, and biking. Perhaps the park’s most iconic feature is Hole-in-the Rock, which can be accessed from a trail on the east side of the park, taking hikers through an interpretive nature trail to learn more about local flora and fauna on the way. Once you’ve arrived at Hole-in-the-Rock, find a spot to sit and take in the views. Framed by the arching rock formation, this is a great spot to view an Arizona sunset or to capture photos of the Phoenix skyline in the distance.
In addition to providing a place for outdoor recreation, Papago Park also houses the oft-visited Phoenix Zoo. The Phoenix Zoo provides entertainment and interest for the whole family, housing over 3,000 animals that range from Sumatra tigers to stingrays. Up-close animal encounters make visiting the Phoenix Zoo a memorable experience!
With the Papago Golf Course as well as the Desert Botanical Garden also situated within Papago Park, you’ll find multiple days’ worth of activities all located within this beautiful parkland!
Planning Your Visit to Papago Park
Papago Park is located just south of downtown Scottsdale at 625 N. Galvin Pkwy in Phoenix. Trail hours are 5 am-11 pm. The ranger office can be contacted at 602-495-5458 with any questions you may have.