--- title: "Papago Park" url: https://stacklist.com/card/90241e60-9e2b-4652-ba12-3dcb064dbb06 source_url: "https://papago.com/" stack: https://stacklist.com/stack/986c501d-90b2-4b84-bfd6-1f610f2097c6 summary: "Papago Park is a 1,500-acre desert gem in Phoenix featuring striking red sandstone buttes, 7 signature trails, and 1,200+ years of history spanning from the Hohokam era to modern times. The park offers diverse outdoor activities including hiking to the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock, fishing, biking, and access to nearby attractions like the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden." tags: "papago-park, phoenix-arizona, hiking, desert-landscape, outdoor-recreation, red-sandstone" key_entities: "Papago Park (location), Phoenix (location), Arizona (location), Phoenix Zoo (organization), Desert Botanical Garden (organization), Hole-in-the-Rock (concept), Hohokam Era (concept), AZ Heritage Center (organization), Hall of Flame Museum (organization), Oktoberfest Run (event)" classification: "reference" content_hash: "sha256:d2e249853214e2c09e5a2ef3c0d3be00ab29f8ff13d51db91b94a377a9b6dd26" acp_version: "0.2" token_counts_approximate: 1171 visibility: public agent_accessible: true status: "final" --- # Papago Park Phoenix · Arizona Explore Papago Park Not just a hole in the rock. 1,500 acres of red sandstone buttes, sunrise trails, desert wildlife, and a history that reaches back a thousand years. Start Exploring Find a Trail Scroll About the Park A desert gem in the heart of Phoenix . Known for its striking red sandstone buttes and beautiful desert landscapes, Papago Park offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and quiet reflection. Whether you're hiking to the famous Hole-in-the-Rock for sweeping city views, fishing at the lagoons, or simply soaking in the golden hour, this is Arizona at its most iconic. 1,500 Acres 1,200+ Years of History 7 Signature Trails Nearby Attractions What's close by . World-class gardens, animal habitats, historic landmarks — all within walking distance of the trailhead. Phoenix Zoo Arizona's largest privately owned non-profit zoo, home to 3,000+ animals across 125 acres. Visit Site Desert Botanical Garden 50,000 desert plants across five thematic trails. A must at sunset. Visit Site Papago Golf Course Classic 18-hole championship course framed by red sandstone buttes. Visit Site AZ Heritage Center Arizona history from the Hohokam through statehood, in one exhibit hall. Visit Site Hall of Flame Museum One of the largest firefighting museums in the world. Kid-favorite. Visit Site Papago Trails Pick your path . From family-friendly loops to butte scrambles with panoramic city views — there's a route for every pace. Easy Hole-in-the-Rock A short 0.3-mile climb to the iconic sandstone window overlooking the valley. The park's most photographed spot. 0.3 mi 15 min Family Medium Double Butte Loop Wraps two of the park's largest buttes with rolling terrain and sweeping desert vistas. Great sunrise or sunset ride. 2.3 mi 1 hr Hike · Bike Hard Big Butte Summit A steep scramble to the highest point in the park. Loose rock, real elevation, and a 360° reward at the top. 1.4 mi 1.5 hr Scramble Where to Eat Best food near the park . Oliver's Cafe · patio American · Breakfast Olive & Ivy · sunset spot Mediterranean The Pithouse · historic Southwestern Tovrea Kitchen · view New American Sloan Park Grill · pre-game Bar & Grill Everything from post-hike brunch to slow-cooked mesquite dinners. Ask a local — the best patios are the ones without signs. See Full Guide Upcoming Events This season at Papago. SEP 26 Saturday Race Oktoberfest Run 5K, 10K, and half marathon through Papago Park, finishing at the beer garden. SEP 26 Through Nov 22 Garden Fall Butterflies 1,000+ Southwestern butterflies, including monarchs, in the walk-through pavilion at Desert Botanical Garden. OCT 01 Through Nov 15 Nightlife Fall Garden After Dark Illuminated evening installations with fall-themed displays at Desert Botanical Garden. OCT 09 10 Days Festival Great Fall Kickoff Festival Ten straight days of live music, crafts, and seasonal food at Desert Botanical Garden. OCT 22 Through Oct 31 Halloween Strange Garden Immersive Halloween-themed evenings at Desert Botanical Garden. NOV 06 3 Days Culture Día de Muertos Festival Three-day cultural celebration with altars, music, and food at Desert Botanical Garden. NOV 13 3 Days Food Chiles & Chocolate Festival One of the garden's most popular fall weekends, with a regional vendor showcase at Desert Botanical Garden. DEC 04 3 Days Arts Tempe Festival of the Arts The 58th Fall Festival — a huge outdoor art walk on Mill Ave, about 2 miles from Papago Park. More Events A Park Full of History A thousand years of stories. From the Hohokam people to the Civilian Conservation Corps, Papago Park has been shaped by countless hands. 300 – 1450 CE Hohokam Era The Hohokam people, ancestors of the Tohono O'odham and Akimel O'odham, thrived here, building extensive irrigation systems still visible today. 1863 Arizona Territory Arizona becomes a U.S. territory. The region's striking features begin attracting settlers. 1879 Papago Indian Reservation The land is designated part of the Papago Indian Reservation by President Rutherford B. Hayes. 1917 – 1919 WWI POW Camp During World War I, the area served as a German prisoner-of-war camp. 1930s The CCC Era The Civilian Conservation Corps built trails, picnic areas, and stonework that shaped the park we know today. Today A Living Landmark A cherished urban destination blending recreation with heritage — Hole-in-the-Rock, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo, and the enduring stories of the O'odham peoples. Brought to you by Papago Vans We craft 100% custom camper vans on the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ram Promaster platforms. Built for people who'd rather sleep under a butte than under a roof. Explore Papago Vans →