Parks & Monuments

Papago Park

Stroll among massive red sandstone boulders in this urban hiking and recreation hotspot.

If it wasn’t for the glass skyline across the river, visitors might think hiking Papago Park was more like walking on the surface of a red planet. The buttes of Tempe create a geologic dreamscape near the north bank of Tempe Town Lake. To the south, the city of Tempe and the campus of Arizona State University bustle with activity. Add this urban park and its iconic visitor destinations to the itinerary to hike, bike and sightsee in Sun Devil country.

Urban Hiking

The Double Butte Loop Trail is one of the most popular urban hiking destinations in Greater Phoenix. Partly because anyone can do it but mostly because of the exhilaration of being surrounded by a prehistoric scattering of unusual rock formations. The wide trail spans just over 2 miles and has minimal elevation gain. It’s perfect for soaking in the scenery in full stride rather than huffing up mountainsides common on other urban hikes in Phoenix. Of the 10 miles of trails in Papago Park, Hole in the Rock is the shortest and has the biggest payoff. Take the short climb for the ultimate desert vacation selfie or join large crowds when the sunset peeks through the cave burrowed into sandstone. The Nature Trail winds through the center of the park and passes by picnic tables under ramadas, fishing lagoons and playgrounds. The stroller-friendly trail makes it perfect for family picnics before or after visiting the zoo.

Iconic Attractions

Some of the metro’s top visitor attractions chose Papago Park decades ago when Phoenix was a burgeoning desert outpost. Since 1939, Desert Botanical Garden has showcased the surprising mix of plants that grow in the Sonoran Desert and other arid climates across the globe. Today, the outdoor exhibits showcase more than 50,000 plants. The adjacent Phoenix Zoo joined the scene in 1962. Shaded trails lead through the oasis and its multiple habitats featuring desert critters among the 3,000 animals protected here. On the fringes of Papago Park, visitors can add Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting and Arizona Heritage Center to the itinerary.

Mill Avenue

The history of the East Valley is on display along Mill Avenue, which runs south from Papago Park into the city of Tempe. See the historic Hayden Flour Mill on the banks of Tempe Town Lake and imagine cargo boats chugging up and down the Salt River carrying grain. Today the mill location is surrounded by shops, restaurants and Arizona State University. On campus, visit another historic point of pride — the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed ASU Gammage theater — to see touring acts in a massive performing arts venue.

Visit Destination Website

More to Explore Near Papago Park

Cities

Tempe

Home to Arizona State University, Tempe, just east of Phoenix, contains the vibe you would expect in a college town, and attractions that make...

Rivers & Lakes

Tempe Town Lake

This urban lake on the Salt River offers recreation and entertainment year-round.

Arts & Culture

Desert Botanical Garden

The Garden’s commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the...

Performing Arts

ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world. It hosts concerts, theater and dance performances,...

Nature & Wildlife

Phoenix Zoo

Enter the Phoenix Zoo and explore a wondrous world of curiosity, imagination and discovery. Featuring more than 3,000 animals, including...

Search Filters

Search Results

History

1899 Historic Hotel Landmark & Camping

Our passion is connecting with people, and reviving history and the essence of the Old Wild West. We offer camping and mining adventures...

Horseback Riding

360 Adventures

Arizona adventure tours by 360 Adventures take the worry out of exploring so you can focus on having fun. While Arizona features some of...

Performing Arts

90265 Productions

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre is an award-winning, non-profit performing arts theatre located in Arizona’s premiere shopping,...

Spas & Luxury

Ace of Fades Executive Barbershop

Ace of Fades Executive Barbershop specializing in the personal care and grooming needs of Men, Women and children. Specializes in fades,...

Nature & Wildlife

Across Arizona Tours

Guided Van Tours of Arizona's Famous Landmarks & AttractionsAcross Arizona Tours provides one and two day guided tours to travelers in...

Spas & Luxury

ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection

ADERO Scottsdale Resort is the only Autograph Collection destination in a certified Dark Sky Community. The AAA Four Diamond Resort was...

Distilleries

Adventurous Stills

Adventurous Stills uses about 70% locally grown grains to make everything by hand from grain to bottle. Visit the tasting room in the...

History

Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum

The Him-Dak EcoMuseum was established to collect, analyze, preserve, protect, promote and teach various aspects of the Ak-Chin heritage,...

American Indian

AKW COLLECTIBLES

We are proud to be the first & only MetaZoo Partner Store in Arizona. Register for our weekly local MetaZoo events on the MetaZoo Play...

Sports

American Family Fields of Phoenix

American Family Fields of Phoenix is the spring training home to the Milwaukee Brewers. Formerly known as Maryvale Baseball Park the...

Family Activities

American Gold Prospecting Adventures

We have a great team of gold prospecting guides to make your experience one to remember. We provide all the equipment and teach you...

Discover

Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.