Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Papago Park Trails

    4.5 (82 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Papago Park Trails Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Papago Park Trails

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Great signage
    Ursula D.

    This is still a go to trail for me. I bring out of town guests here for an easy hike close to brunchin' spots. It's a great meetup spot to have a nice socializing walk with friends too. Get there early as parking is an issue with this popular trailhead and small lot. There are so many side trails that you can take from the main loop. Some lead you to climbing the buttes too. I still take that main path (a reliable 3mile loop) and enjoy the views of downtown Phoenix. I snagged a bunch of pics and videos yesterday on my Turkey Trot.... Enjoy Return Factor 100%

    Kitty A.

    Had a great time hiking to the Hole in the Rock. The view was amazing. The hike was short. Would definitely do it again! Not much to say because it's just dirt and rocks, but once you get to the top, it's definitely worth walking in the heat.

    Making ripples
    Monty D.

    For a non-grass and playground park, Papago has a lot going for it. We really enjoy the scenic beauty of the rugged southwest desert: the shades of earth-tone colors, the various green succulents and cacti against the reddish desert sand stone and the desert ponds. There is plenty of room to walk, wonder and be amazed. We happened upon several birds (see pics) - all of which were going about their business and putting on a show for us. We saw a shy pond turtle, which provided us with a quick visit. There was sufficient parking. With a little bit more effort, you can hike up to Hole-in-the-Rock cave. This is well worth the effort (check out the Yelp reviews for it). I hope to see you on the trail.

    Blake M.

    Really great park right in the middle of Phoenix which is pretty cool! Has a lot of trails , hiking opportunities and mountains to climb. There are also several lakes and streams throughout the park as well as a zoo. One of the mountains has a neat carvers out keyhole feature that's Quite popular at sunset to sit on & look out at the ambiance. There are also several other MTNS with pretty steep elevations that you are able to hike on the northern side of the park as well. Overall a really great park especially for nature enthusiasts and hiking lovers. And not a far drive being right in the city. A really interesting destination to check out when you visit!

    Monica R.

    We didn't have time to hike there, but we had to check out because I read about very well. But, the view is incredible beautiful! Close to there are the zoo and botanical garden. Also, a golf area beside the park. If you have time, spend an afternoon there. Next time my husband and I will do.

    Leilani G.

    Papago Park has so many trails to choose from, everything from paved walkways, to light hiking/rock scrambling. There's even a beautiful amphitheater where you can relax and enjoy the views of the city. My favorite trail is the 5k loop, it's great for an early morning walk or trail run and if you visit right when the sun is coming up you might even have the whole park to yourself! Highly recommend to any outdoor enthusiast or Phoenix visitor looking to enjoy some desertscapes!

    Rebecca M.

    Papago is one of my two favorite places I've ever visited (I live in Ohio)! I've been to Arizona a few times and I always, always make a stop at Papago. This was the first time visiting this specific trail and I really enjoyed it! I brought along my 3 year old and husband; my kiddo LOVED it. She just wanted to keep climbing and climbing. We actually made it almost to the very top, so it's certainly a kid-friendly area, with caution. We came twice on our most recent stay, both times around 7:30am in March. It was perfect! We were able to shed our jackets by the end of the hike and enjoy the little fishing pond at the base of the trails. Swooning to go back to Papago on our next trip and take this trail!

    Michelle L.

    Papago Park is a beautiful place to visit. Just a quick easy hike with a gorgeous view. Would recommend going during the week because the weekends can get busy.

    Laura G.

    My husband and I took a quick hike in Papago Park. We chose it because of the beautiful buttes throughout the park. There is lots of wildlife to look at and it's a relaxing setting. The trails are interlaced and relatively easy especially if you are just looking for an early evening stroll. The park also has a lagoon for fishing, baseball & softball field, golf course and more. The park opens at sunrise as closes at sunset. The trails open at 5 am. There are picnic areas that can be reserved for larger gatherings or family outings. You have to get a permit if you want to drink, have loud music and set up party rental equipment.

    Cloudy day
    Jennifer P.

    I visit Papago Park every week. Sometimes I'm climbing the buttes and other times just walking through. It's a beautiful place. Gentle enough to bring the family and even have a little picnic. The zoo is next door which makes for a fun day.

    Madeleine L.

    Love this place. Usually do the 5K trail. Great scenery, easy to follow trail. Parking has never been a problem when I have gone and it is easy to get in and out of.

    Mountains in the distance
    Alexis C.

    This is absolutely, by far the place to be in December! A family hike and it's been 76° all day; which is considered cold in Arizona (LOL). I wish this was my backyard. The trail we took had no noticeable incline and was very, very wheelchair accessible especially for those of us who like to push ourselves! Be sure to bring your camera

    Hole in the Rock
    Nicolette M.

    Hubby and I decided to start hiking on our days off, and this was a great small beginning for us. Nothing to intense that anyone couldn't climb, and it provided some very picturesque scenery. We went fairly early when there weren't too many people there. Did notice quite a bit of broken glass along the trail - so just use caution with small children and dogs.

    See all

    Photo of Brad W.
    314
    3390
    10150

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tram T.
    398
    70
    53

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Imee F.
    3
    70
    45

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dj B.
    3
    98
    129

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Truly a beautiful view , great pictures taken. Great area to relax , let go , meditate

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John B.
    469
    820
    1313

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jimmy P.
    233
    86
    75

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maya G.
    139
    22
    23

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex D.
    302
    10
    26

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cliff C.
    976
    15
    21

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ian B.
    74
    226
    4

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lydia W.
    87
    107
    31

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Great trail to follow! Kid and pet friendly. Workout stations periodically placed along west side of trail.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex Z.
    437
    22
    1

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 3

    Ask the Community - Papago Park Trails

    How's the Parking?

    There's a parking lot open from sunrise to sunset. They will tow when the sun goes down!! If you plan on being there at night time just Uber

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Papago Park Trails

    Across the street is a lake and the hole-in-the-rock which is a fairly easy climb.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 4,130 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    New River Trailhead at Fletcher Heights

    New River Trailhead at Fletcher Heights

    5.0
    (1 review)
    22.4 mi

    Well maintained, paved, multi use trail. Several official trailhead openings along the New River…read moreTrail. There are also many points to join the trail that are not official trailheads. The Fletcher Heights trailhead is in a medical/industrial park. No bathrooms here. (There is a QT near by if looking for restrooms.) Take a break at one of the covered picnic tables. Water station with water fountain and bottle refill. Tool station near the map to adjust or fix one's bike. Streatching/parcore bars over by Cigna. There is even a little lending library. (Look for the green newspaper holder.) Parking available at the trailhead. If full, additional parking is available further in the center. Usage of the trail was about 50/50 those on bikes vs. those on foot. When passing eachother, people were using good trail etiquette. A couple people were walking their dogs, but not many. With a length of the trail, 13.5 miles, many people seem to be there to take advantage of the length. I myself only walked about 5 miles. Trail itself follows the wash. Use good judgment in regards to weather. Posted signs warn to stay out when flooded; this is a flash flood area. Wash made for a nice view. There were many different types of birds. While I didn't stop, there are spots with benches to sit and enjoy the view. Sporadic spots with shade. Various points had treadmarks where riders have chose to go off roading in the wash.

    Photos
    New River Trailhead at Fletcher Heights
    New River Trailhead at Fletcher Heights
    New River Trailhead at Fletcher Heights

    See all

    Hole-in-the-Rock

    Hole-in-the-Rock

    4.5
    (384 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    As a respectable hiker, I'm not going to call this a hike but it is a cool experience. I stopped by…read moreon Memorial Day in the afternoon by design. It was 95 degrees so I knew a challenging hike would be out of the question. Something like Hole-in-the-Rock though, easy peasy. While there were a decent number of people there, I had no trouble finding free parking. This natural wonder is located in Papago Park close to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. After you park, you'll have a five-minute walk to get to Hole-in-the-Rock. You'll have to climb an incline to get in the hole, so definitely be careful, but there are kids that do it too. And a lot of tourists that show up. So that pretty much sums it up. Once you get inside, you'll have an awesome view of the Phoenix through a literal hole in a big rock. You'll see a lot of people using it as a photo opp. That's not really my style, so instead, I took a seat and enjoyed the beauty for 10 minutes or so. It can get pretty crowded so keep that in mind if you stop by on a weekend. Hole-in-the-Rock is one of the top attractions on TripAdvisor in Phoenix. Definitely a cool (and short) adventure to cross of the bucket list. I spent 30 minutes there (which included hanging out in the rock for half the time).

    A truly mystical and magical place. They close at 7:00 p.m…read more Most people try to get there later in the day to avoid the scorching 110 deg. weather and hot sun. There is a pond with tons of geese. I saw a man fly fishing.

    Photos
    At the top
    At the top
    Trail map
    Trail map
    1/12/25 FYI. Cool views.

    See all

    1/12/25 FYI. Cool views.

    Papago Park Trails - hiking - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...