Hole in the Rock at Papago Park in Phoenix, AZ

Papago Park is a hilly desert park covering 1500 acres in Phoenix and Tempe. It’s a great spot for running, featuring a combination of paved and non-paved trails, moderately hilly. There are several interesting sights, including Hole in the Rock, the Desert Botanical Garden, several small lakes, and the Phoenix Zoo. Pro Tip: Try to catch the Desert Botanical Garden during the spring wildflower bloom. See our desert bloom list for annual calendars predicting peak bloom.

There are numerous trail and loop options. This LINK describes several routes, including a 3.1-mile gravel ‘fitness trail’. It’s ~2.5 miles N-S and ~1 mile E-W. The park trails can be combined with runs Arizona State University and the Tempe Town Lake trails.

Information on Park
Essentials
  • 5.6 mile LOOP, with several more options.
  • Start: multiple points.
  • Parking: Lots off Papago Park Rd. or near the Hole in the Rock Trail

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Kevin
10 months ago

Nice route. I was confused about where to park. There is good parking near Hole in the Rock.

Essentials
  • 5.6 mile LOOP, with several more options.
  • Start: multiple points.
  • Parking: Lots off Papago Park Rd. or near the Hole in the Rock Trail