Papago Park - Tempe
About
1,500-Acre Mountain Park Shared Between Tempe and Phoenix
Papago Park spans 1,500 acres of red sandstone buttes between Tempe and Phoenix. The Tempe section includes Hole-in-the-Rock formation, fishing lagoons, picnic areas, and Hunt's Tomb pyramid. Hiking trails, biking, and stunning desert scenery 5 minutes from ASU.
What Kids Can Do
Hole-in-the-Rock is the marquee feature - kids scramble up red sandstone to a window-like opening with city views. Short trails connect to other formations including Hunt's Tomb pyramid (Arizona's only governor pyramid). Fishing lagoons stocked with trout (winter) and catfish (summer) - kids fish from shore. Picnic areas with grills throughout. Connects to Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo on the Phoenix side [marked: extreme heat May-September - go before 8am or after 6pm].
What's Included
Free day-use of all Tempe-side park areas. Fishing free with AZGFD license.
Experience
Plan 2-3 hours. Almost entirely outdoor - bring water (extreme desert heat), sun protection, sturdy shoes. About 3 miles north of downtown Tempe. Free on-site parking at multiple lots.