About Papago Park
Papago Park offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, kid-friendly hiking trails, and convenient facilities, making it an ideal destination for families looking to explore the outdoors together.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a scenic outdoor experienceParents wanting to teach kids about desert wildlifeGroups wanting to enjoy a picnic in a beautiful settingSuitable for children of all ages, with easy trails for younger kids and more challenging options for older children
Why families love it
- Variety of trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty
- Iconic Hole in the Rock for breathtaking sunset views
- Kid-friendly features like trail markers and pull-up bars
- Scenic desert wildlife including birds and unique rock formations
- Restrooms and free parking available at the base
- Plenty of picnic tables for family gatherings
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy shoes to navigate slippery paths
- Bring water and a flashlight if planning to stay after sunset
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially around sunset
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during peak sunset times to escape large crowds
- Hiking during the hottest parts of the day without proper hydration
- Crowds can be overwhelming, especially at popular spots like Hole in the Rock
- Gravel paths can be slippery, requiring sturdy shoes
- Crowds
- Crowded during sunset hours and weekends, but manageable during weekdays
- Value
- Free entry to the park with no hidden costs; excellent value for families seeking an outdoor adventure compared to paid attractions
- Food
- No specific food restrictions mentioned, but it's advisable to bring snacks and water for kids
- Accessibility
- Some trails may be challenging for strollers; check specific trail conditions before visiting
- Safety
- Presence of restrooms and well-marked trails for safety
What parents say
"Great place to hike! Huge variety of easy to moderate to difficult trails with some paved parts and ramadas and other more steep, mountainous parts. The rock formations are especially cool with lots of fun holes which can be entered and decent shade. It gives scenic views of the desert and cacti and on one of the trails was a pull-up bar and trail heads not only with trail markers but with interesting images and walking stick tricks on them. The desert wild-life including birds and snakes are also visible and existent."
a week ago
"We visited Papago Park to catch the sunset from the iconic Hole in the Rock, and it was truly breathtaking. The short hike up is manageable for most, including families with kids, though the gravel path can be a bit slippery—so wear sturdy shoes. Once at the top, the panoramic views of the city and desert landscape are worth every step. It's a popular spot, so expect a crowd, especially around sunset, but the atmosphere is friendly and communal. Facilities like restrooms and free parking are available at the base, making the visit convenient. Don't forget to bring water and perhaps a flashligh"
a week ago
"I went here with my sister. I was visiting from Utah. It's gorgeous and it makes her happy, she lives nearby and she was so happy to show me how beautiful it was. It's quiet and pretty, there was a white crane. It was nice to see. Can't comment on the fishing but lots of sorority girls taking photos LOL."
a week ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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