Papago Park, on the border of Phoenix and Tempe, is one of the easiest places for newcomers to get a feel for the desert. Its red sandstone buttes, short trails and lagoons sit right next to two of the Valley’s most visited attractions: the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. This guide explains what is in the park and how to plan a day there.
Key takeaways
- Papago Park covers about 1,500 acres with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and lagoons.
- The Desert Botanical Garden covers 147 acres and has more than 50,000 desert plants along five thematic trails.
- Hole-in-the-Rock is a short, popular hike with a view over the Valley.
About Papago Park
Papago Park spans about 1,500 acres of desert landscape with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and fishing lagoons. Its rounded red buttes are some of the most photographed landforms in the Valley. Because it is central, close to the airport, Tempe and Scottsdale, it is an easy place to visit on short notice.
Hole-in-the-Rock
Hole-in-the-Rock is a short climb to a natural opening in one of the park’s buttes, with views over the city. It is one of the most popular short hikes in Phoenix and is often busy at sunset. The trail is short but uneven, so wear good shoes and carry water.
The Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden sits among the buttes of Papago Park. According to the garden, it covers 147 acres and has more than 50,000 desert plants on display along five thematic trails. The collections include cacti, agaves, desert wildflowers and plants from deserts around the world. It is a good place to learn which plants suit a Phoenix yard; see Desert Landscaping and Saving Water at a Phoenix Home.
The Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is also located in Papago Park. It is a popular outing for families, especially in the cooler months. Check the zoo’s website for hours and seasonal events, and plan visits for mornings in warm weather.
Park vs garden
| Papago Park | Desert Botanical Garden | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free public park | Admission required |
| Best for | Short hikes, picnics, photos | Learning about desert plants |
| Time needed | One to two hours | Two to three hours |
| Shade | Limited | Some shaded areas and rest spots |
Which fits your day
For a quick outing or sunset photos, the park and Hole-in-the-Rock are hard to beat. For a slower visit and a chance to learn about the desert, the botanical garden is the better choice. Many visitors do both: a short hike in the morning, then the garden.
Tip: In warm months, visit early in the day. Check the garden’s website for seasonal hours and evening events, which can be a cooler way to enjoy it.
Getting there
Papago Park is a short drive from downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. Parking is available at trailheads and at each attraction, though popular lots fill on busy mornings. Bus routes serve the area, and a light rail station in Tempe is within reach by bus or bike.
What to bring
- Water, even for short hikes.
- A hat and sunscreen.
- Comfortable shoes for sandstone and gravel.
- A camera for the buttes and desert plants.
- A light layer for cool winter mornings.
Seasons at the park
Fall, winter and spring are the most comfortable times to visit. Spring often brings cactus and wildflower blooms. Summer visits are best at sunrise; afternoon heat on exposed rock can be intense. See Things to Do in Phoenix, Season by Season for more seasonal ideas.
Picnics and family time
Papago Park’s picnic areas and lagoons make it a good place for a relaxed family outing. Ramadas provide some shade, and the flat paths near the lagoons suit strollers and young children better than the rocky trails. Many families combine a morning at the zoo with a picnic in the park. Bring more water than you think you need, and plan to leave before the afternoon heat on warm days.
Biking in the park
Paved paths and dirt trails in and around Papago Park are popular with cyclists. The area connects to bike routes toward Tempe and the canal paths, which many residents use for longer rides. As with hiking, ride early in warm months and carry water.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is treating the short Hole-in-the-Rock hike as too easy to need water. Another is arriving at midday in summer. Visitors also sometimes try to climb the buttes off trail, which can be dangerous and damages the rock. Stay on marked paths.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Papago Park?
About 1,500 acres, with trails, picnic areas and lagoons.
How many plants are at the Desert Botanical Garden?
According to the garden, more than 50,000 on 147 acres.
Is Hole-in-the-Rock hard?
It is short but uneven. Most people with good shoes and water can do it.
More outdoor ideas: South Mountain Park and Preserve: A Guide for New Residents. Indoor ideas: Phoenix Museums Worth Visiting.