Papago Park
EXPLORE THIS URBAN DESERT PRESERVE
Just beyond the skyline of Downtown Tempe, a collection of sandstone rock formations rise from the desert floor. These unmistakable buttes are collectively known as Papago Park, a 1,500-acre recreational area in the center of the nation’s fifth-largest metro area. Papago Park is best known for its hiking and biking trails, scenic lagoons and top-tier attractions.
Papago Park
YOUR TIMELESS ITINERARY AWAITS
This urban desert preserve is both a window into the past and a path toward the future. Reminders of the area’s history include Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, which leads to a unique formation that is believed to have been used by the ancient Hohokam civilization to track the position of the sun. Simultaneously, the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo are focused on preservation for future generations through sustainability and conservation.
Outdoors
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EXPLORE PAPAGO PARK
Hiking and Biking Trails
Papago Park is a convenient location for exploring Sonoran Desert landscapes. Whether you prefer easy hikes, breathtaking overlooks or mountain biking adventures, the assortment of trails within Papago Park makes it a popular spot for explorers of all ages. A must is Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, which leads to a very appropriately named rock formation and scenic vantage point of the surrounding Valley. For additional details on Papago Park’s trails, including trailheads and maps, visit the City of Phoenix’s Papago Park website.
Features
Papago Park is home to a variety of recreational offerings. In addition to the trails this park is best known for, orienteering, archery, and disc golf are also available. Scenic lagoons offer fishing and birding opportunities, and tee times are available at both Papago Golf Club and Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills.
Attractions
Home to some of the area’s top attractions, Papago Park is the perfect place to spend the day exploring. The Desert Botanical Garden invites you to wander its five thematic trails that wind throughout this 140-acres Sonoran Desert gem that showcases more than 50,000 arid plants from deserts around the world. Or take a walk on the wild side and visit more than 3,000 animals that call the Phoenix Zoo home. Additionally, the Arizona Heritage Center, Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting and S’edav Va’aki Museum each offer interactive glimpses into the area’s past.
URBAN SOPHISTICATION MEETS SONORAN DESERT RECREATION
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