Papago Park is one of the best low-effort outdoor resets in Phoenix — Hole-in-the-Rock, short trails, and big sky without leaving town. We did a cooler-month morning and it was comfortable; summer midday is brutal. Parking by the main lots was fine midweek. Pair with Desert Botanical Garden next door if you want a longer half day. Bring water even for short loops. Great for families and anyone who wants desert views without a long drive.

If you visit Phoenix, stopping at Papago Park and seeing the “hole in the rock” is a must do! There is parking relatively close but some light hiking is required to go up. Views at sunset are amazing!

Papago Park is a popular park in the central Phoenix area. The famous hole in the wall seems to be full of people most of the time. There some neat vistas of the city and Camelback Mountain to be had with a number of easy trails around the park. Definitely recommend if you have ~2 hours to fill.

If you haven't experienced Papago Park during the Golden Hours, you haven't truly seen Phoenix. While the park is a desert gem at any time of day, there is a specific magic that settles over the red sandstone buttes when the sun is hugging the horizon.

We did a lot of things in the park - visited the Desert Botanic Garden, went to Hole in the Rock (yes, it looks high but the path behind the rock is manageable), had dinner at Lou's (yummy pizza and sandwiches) and walked on the trails. A very nice park in town.