Papago Park is an amazing place to take a walk, get photos taken, or simply relax. Nestled among Phoenix Zoo & Botanical Garden, it's a popular spot in the Phoenix Metro Area - for good reason too. Don't forget to take a hike and climb the "Hole in the Rock", a pretty mild hike and very rewarding when you get to the top! read more

Papago Park Trails - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This is one of my favorite spots in Phoenix to connect with nature. The biomorphic facade of the boulders is fascinating to look at, no matter what direction you're looking at it from. Easy 5k trail. read more

Nice place for a walk on paved surfaces or a more adventurous hike on dirt trails. We did a bit of the fitness loop and were able to see some jackrabbits and get some fresh air and exercise. No issue with parking and it seems like a very safe area. We didn't stay here too long as it was just a brief stretch the legs type of walk but I'd come back here. read more

We came here to visit the hole in the rock. It was totally worth it. You can see the sunset very clear. It's easy to get there not deep of a hike. It's just very steep and rocky when you want to enter the hole in the rock. You can visit during the day or evening to see a beautiful view. read more

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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% read more

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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. read more

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Beautiful trail! Would recommend. Captures a good view of what Arizona is truly about

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. read more

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One of the many memorable hikes in Arizona. This one stood out because of the unique rock formations and landscapes. It's a good hike for all ages. We found parking pretty easily. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

Papago Park Trails - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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! read more

Papago Park Trails - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Several different route options for all walking/ hiking/ biking abilities. Trails are easily identifiable. I went at 3pm so the parking lot was half full. When I left at 530pm the lot was full. I only ran into less than a handful of people on the trails. Definately a place I would go again. Also get different views of the valley read more

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! read more

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Easy 2.3 mile loop. Light incline. Bring a snack if you'd like to rest at the amphitheater.

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Papago Park Trails - Cloudy day - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

Papago Park Trails - Hole in the Rock - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

There are definitely reasons to come here for a little exercise but bearing in mind some precautions: 1. Don't worry if you aren't staying on the trails. Well, you might want to because there could be critters off the trails; those critters could also be on the trails. When you cannot figure out where the trail is, blazing your own is fine. I didn't see any signs prohibiting it. No worries about getting lost, just go to a high point to get your bearings. 2. Wear DEET. I used some Cutter DEET-free mosquito repellent, but based on the number of bites, the mosquitoes loved my "repellent." Of course getting here early helps you stay a little cooler. Tough call. Mosquitoes or heatstroke. 3. Pace yourself. Those buff high school cross country kids make running look so easy. Walking is just fine for some of us. 4. Enjoy the spectacular scenery! read more

Papago Park Trails - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I came here recently to run a virtual 5K on the West side of the park. They have a 5K trail that is already mapped out for you with signs that guide you. As an AZ native, I have lots of memories of this park. I rappelled off the butte during my ROTC days. I will admit I even took a couple girls here at night back when I was a crazy high schooler to do some star gazing. There is a picnic table with shading near the parking lot. Papago Park is surrounded by lots of cactus, dessert plants and little critters that run around. The Papago golf course is just west of the trailhead. The parking lot is gated and closes in the evening but the trailhead stays open pretty late (I think 11pm). On the East side of Galvin Parkway is the Zoo, Botanical Garden, Hole in the Rock, a small fishing lake and Governor Hunt's tomb. If you are going to do this trail in the late afternoon or in the middle of the summer, make sure you bring water (especially you out-of-town folks). And please pick up your dog crap too if bringing a dog. Those of us that like to run the trailhead appreciate it! read more

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Nice little lark beside the zoo. Nothing too crazy, but exceptional trees and nice hills and walking trails. It's nice to be close and to be able to interact with everything so closely. Great place for a pack lunch and move to so some hiking. Lots of nice wildlife to se and hear, and many differ t types of cactus and trees to interact with. Good place to just sit in the shade and think for a few hours. read more

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Wanted a short hike close to my friends house and was surprised to find this option. Very easy trail with some cool features, and the rock formations are cool to explore. So it starts on a paved sidewalk-like part of the trail, but if you want to be more adventurous there are many unpacked sections that can be used for mountain biking as well. We used a lot of these side trails and even decided to try climbing one of the rock structures! The views of downtown from up on one of them was super cool, specially as you get closer to sunset. The only thing that wasn't ideal was how it was right next to the highway so you end up hearing and seeing all the cars zoom by during a good third of the hike. Kind of takes away from the "nature" feel of it. read more

Papago Park Trails - One of the rock formations on the trail that you can climb on. - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This is a scenic, chill park. Good for young and old. Groomed paths and walks. An easy walk up to the "hole in the rock". Somebody put a "shrine" up in there. Some toys and stuff. Not sure of the story behind that. read more

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Beautiful views! Pretty easy "hike" for all ages. Some areas are slippery so wear shoes with good grip! read more

Papago Park Trails - Cave hopping - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

It's not the best place to hike in the Phoenix area but it's a nice moderate hike. I enjoy hiking pretty advanced hikes and for many hours but sometimes it's nice to come out here for less than an hour. The rocks/mountains are a beautiful site. I love Arizona so I enjoy all the hikes. I will continually return here. If you want a harder hike I suggest camelback or piestewa peak read more

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Parking is very limited and if you are planning on hiking on a weekend, you may need to park across the street in the zoo extended parking lot. We parked and weren't towed but beware to park at your own expense. West Park Trailhead has a variety of trails. They range from a nice stroll on the paved ways to mini mountain treks fir pleasant views. Currently, there are renovations taking place for the golf course alongside side, so there are alternative routes available. read more

Papago Park Trails - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Checked out The Hole in the Rock with the family. I like that they have a parking lot for those that are visiting specifically this spot. So it was just a short trek to get to the Hole. The hike up and down was pretty easy, but just be sure on your footing since there are a lot of loose rocks. Quite a few people there when we went, so it was hard getting a photo without other random people being in the shot. From the Hole you get a nice view overlooking the surrounding area. I did see some graffiti up there, which was not cool. read more

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Beautiful view from the top of this mountain right next to the Phoenix zoo. The walking trail is nice read more

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So nice. It was hot, but so nice. The views from here are crazy. Hard to explain it but really nice. Different looking mountain. read more

Papago Park Trails - The views - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Nice park with some trails and water area! It was really beautiful and I would come back but definitely on a cooler day/ not a lot of shaded areas. read more

We came here to watch the sunset from Hole in the Rock. This park is fantastic ! what a way to spend a Sunday ! trails are well marked and easy to navigate. Great park !! read more

I love parks. The green, the trails, the beautiful buttes. The moutaingoats. Yes, you got it, mountaingoats. The Phoenix Zoo property runs alongside the park. Extending up into the buttes, boarded by fenceline. So, adventure around the park, staying sharp on the lookout. But fear not, as the goats remain in their fenced domain. It's just another cool park feature. While most trails are cool for novice hikers, keep in mind that the rock buttes are crumbly and slick in places. Where some areas may seem easy to get up, going down is another challenge in itself. Up easy; down not so much. Rescues are expensive! This happens nearly every year. NOTE: Read my other reviews for tips, entertainment, and unique historic references. Thank you, Tim B. read more

Best place to get away from people in the valley! This is a very under utilized trailhead that has tons to offer if you like variety. It is great for easy hiking, mountain bikers, and great for walking dogs. This is a great park to "wander" more than stick to a designated trail. There isn't much change in elevation, except for the butte, so there are no issues with getting lost. The most interesting part is Big Butte Loop, which is a circular path that hugs the butte. Here is where you will get the most elevation challenge where you go up and down the washes. For the more adventurous, you can scurry up the south face of Big Butte...just aim for the cave. This is not for everyone as it's not marked as a trail and will require use of your hands as well as your feet. This allows you to get to the eastern peak and the views are amazing. Your dog's four paws will put you to shame going up and over Big Butte. ((((Again, this is not a marked trail and do not attempt if uneasy with heights)))) Ascend the butte close to sunrise or sunset, if you're lucky, you will hear the Howler Monkeys from the Phoenix Zoo sounding off! My hike typically takes about an hour, start east from the parking lot, up or around Big Butte, coming back the west side of Little Butte Loop, back to the parking lot. This is not quite the challenge of Camelback, but only crossing paths with maybe 10 people is priceless! Oh, and you can also run the stairs of the amphitheater if you're looking for a great place to do leg work. read more

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It was a little confusing to find this place on my first visit. Basically, look for the sign that says Phoenix Zoo Picnic Area and go ACROSS the street (Galvin Pkwy) from that. This is a great spot for beginner hikers because it's more just like walking. The trail we took didn't have any elevation gains and the views were still beautiful. I came at 9:30 on a Saturday morning and there was plenty of available parking, but it was also freeezing that day so maybe it scared some people off :-P See you on the trail! read more

Papago Park is great for beginner hikers and mountain bikers. There's a covered picnic table at the trailhead, and another one at what's referred to as the ramada. A sign at the trailhead shows you the different trail options. I rode #5, as I'm still getting my MTB legs about me. There isn't much elevation change here, but it's great for getting outside and it isn't far from the city at all. It's across the entrance from the PHX Zoo. Some tips, based on what I've seen there: -- Mind the park's hours (though I've heard people sometimes don't). -- Mind your head from errant golf balls from the neighboring golf course...I nearly ran over a few on the west side, on the #5. -- Watch for flocks of roadrunners running across the trail...they're fast, so they should stay out of your way. -- Also watch for rabbits! -- Take plenty of water and a camera. read more

Otherwise known as Dog crap trail. It's on the trail, on the side of the trail, in the bushes and on the buttes. Just keep your eyes peeled. Just did the Big Butte trail and that is a 2.3 mile jaunt/loop around the buttes. You can get a sweat going even without walking up, but the trail is poorly marked and you will be lucky if you make it back to the parking lot on your first try. On Sunday at noon, the lot was 90% full, so that could be an issue. A favorite pastime of mine is to heckle/woo hoo the golfers teeing off as you hit the trail - hey what is life without some heckling right? Good view of downtown even from down below the top. read more

Papago Park Trails - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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My dog and I love this park! The 5 k loop is so peaceful and beautiful. People are really considerate and take care of the trails here. Its pretty rare to see dog poop or trash. There are trash cans and a bathroom located about half way into the loop. The parking lot can get a little busy, but as long as you are there before about 730 you shouldn't have any problem finding a spot. read more

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