Hike to the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
Phoenix, Arizona
Details
Distance
0.2 miles
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Grant Thomas
The popular Hole in the Rock at Papago Park is the perfect place to take in the views and capture some unique photos!
Papago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo. The park is known for its rock formations and short hiking / running trails.
The main attraction, the Hole in the Rock, at the top of the short trail, is a great place to take pictures as it is one of the highest points in the area and it offers great views of the rest of the park. To get there, simply park in the parking lot (if the small parking lot is full, don't fret. The Phoenix Zoo is right next to the park and you can find room to park there) Once parked follow the Hole In The Rock trail around the back of the rock formation. The trail is short and only gains about 200 feet of elevation so even children can do it. Just make sure to be careful, as the trail is rocky and it can be easy to trip or twist an ankle.
From the lookout area at the end of the trail you will be able to look through the hole and see a few small lakes where you can fish. If you turn around and face away from the hole in the rock you will also be able to see a few other trails that meander around the park. A detailed map of the rest of the trails in the park can be found below.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Hike to the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park Reviews
Hole in the rock is about 10 minutes from the parking lot, it’s super cool, glad we did it and we also kept hiking. It was a good day to get some vitamin D, and because we were so close to the zoo and botanical gardens. We’ve just popped over to the botanical gardens. I WOULD RECOMMEND
5.0
I wouldn't say this was much of a hike. You probably won't break much of a sweat unless you are hiking it during the summer. Being in the middle of the city, it is expected that this place gets CROWDED!
4.0
This urban park built into a wilderness area makes this quick but steep hike full of awesome views.
5.0
The hike to the cave in Papago Park is a short hike in the city that offers good views and is for all experience levels.
5.0
Great place to watch the sunset! But as this is INCREDIBLY short, I wouldn't say it's much of a hike :) Very popular when the weather is nice and there's picnic spaces nearby. Last time I went there was a ton of trash, so please make sure to be respectful if you visit.
4.0
Super short hike, pretty easy, something to do with the kids. There is a great view at the top.
3.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hike the West Park Loop Trail in Papago Park
Catch a Sunset from Tempe Town Lake and the Mill Avenue Bridge
Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail
Climb the East Face of the Praying Monk
Climb the Praying Monk
Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy