Hole in the Rock Trail

The Hole in the Rock in Papago Park is one of the city’s most popular hiking trails. This short, simple trail leads you up a red sandstone butte with a hole in it large enough to sit in. This hole is one of several in this very unique landscape, where erosion in the sandstone creates a spongelike appearance on the rocks.

The Hole in the Rock was used by the Hohokam tribe to mark the summer and winter solstice. Rocks were placed in the hole at different locations to mark the position of the sun, creating a basic calendar. This helped them schedule agricultural duties. The Hohokam tribe lived in this area from 450 to 1450 CE, so this landmark has been around for a very long time.

The hole is now in Papago Park, a recreational and hiking area, a golf course, and an access point for the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens. In years past, it was a Native reservation, a fish hatchery in the Depression, a POW camp, and a VA hospital. It’s not only a historical part of the city, but a beautiful one, with red buttes and hills eroded like Swiss cheese, the Hole in the Rock being the most notable.

While this is an easy, laidback hike, we still suggest that you bring water with you, consider sun protection, and hike outside the heat of the day if it’s going to be hot out. There is minimal shade on this trail until you get up to the rock.

Since this hike can get a bit crowded, try visiting for sunset or midweek if you’re able to.
From the trailhead, you’ll start on a flat path that loops around the rock. Stay left as you round the loop to avoid heading off towards the Papago Ponds by accident. Just keep heading towards the rock.

As you get around the other side of the rock, you’ll see another hole that isn’t visible from the front of the rock. It’s from the higher opening that the light shines into the main gap.

There are man-made steps to help you climb up into the hole. From inside, pick a spot to sit and take in the view! You’ll be able to see a nice snapshot of the park and the city from this unique vantage point, including the many palm trees surrounding the ponds.

When you’re ready, retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Hiking Route Highlights

Papago Park

Papago Park is one of the premier parks serving Phoenix. Located just minutes from downtown, the park is used for hiking, biking, dog walking, and more. Loved for its unique red rock scenery, the park also provides access to the Desert Botanical Gardens and the Phoenix Zoo. There is also a popular golf course on the west side of the park. On the weekends, it’s full of residents enjoying the desert outdoors on its network of hiking trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Papago Park free?

The park is free. There are no fees required to use it.

Where do you park for Hole in the Rock Trail?

There is parking near the trailhead, but if it’s full, there are other lots in the park that are within walking distance.

Is Papago Park manmade?

The park has natural roots, but human intervention has created the trail system and amenities in the park.