Papago Park, Hole in the Rock

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

Things To Do Around Papago

Arizona Heritage Center_Tempe

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

(480) 929-0292
Desert Botanical Garden

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

(480) 941-1225
Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills

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

(480) 530-9880
Hall of Flame

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

(602) 275-3473
Papago Golf Course

Papago Golf Club

Papago Golf Club is a championship 18 hole golf course, set in the heart of Phoenix’s Papago Park. Papago has earned Top 100 Public Course honors for decades and was originally designed by William Francis “Billy” Bell.

5595 E. Karsten Way
Phoenix, AZ 85008

(602) 275-8428
Family at Phoenix Zoo

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

(602) 286-3800
Rolling Hills Golf Course

Rolling Hills Golf Course

Rolling Hills Golf Course, the Valley’s finest 18-hole executive golf course, is nestled in picturesque Papago Park, providing a unique golfing experience for players of all ages. Guests enjoy family tees, full-service pro-shop and Caddy Shack Sports Grill.  

1415 N. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-5275
Marcos De Niza South Mountain hiking

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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Pier 54 Tempe

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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