Papago Park

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.

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