Between Phoenix and Tempe, you’ll spot a bunch of rugged red sandstone buttes jutting up from the desert—welcome to Papago Park. Spread across about 1,500 acres, this public land has worn a lot of hats over the years. It’s been a Native American reservation, a World War II POW camp, and now, it’s one of the most loved outdoor spots in central Arizona.
Shaped by Time
Papago’s signature red rocks have been sculpted by wind and rain for millions of years. The result? Buttes, arches, even sandstone chambers with hollowed-out rooms. The most famous spot is Hole-in-the-Rock. The ancient Hohokam used this natural opening to follow the sun and keep track of the seasons. These days, you can walk up an easy trail and sit inside that opening. The view stretches out over Phoenix, and when the sun starts to set, the skyline looks especially stunning from up there. Don’t miss this spot while you’re in Phoenix.
Layers of History
This patch of desert has seen more than its share of history. It started as a reservation for the Pima and Maricopa peoples way back in 1879. Since then, it’s been everything from a short-lived national monument to a military firing range. In the 1940s, the land became a World War II prison camp for Germans—famous for the “Great Papago Escape,” when prisoners dug their way out in one of the biggest POW escapes on U.S. soil. Later on, the Civilian Conservation Corps left their mark, building trails, picnic areas, and other features that still draw locals and visitors today.
What You’ll Find Now
Papago Park isn’t just one attraction. It’s a bunch of them gathered together. On one side, there’s the Phoenix Zoo, one of the largest nonprofit zoos around. The Desert Botanical Garden is next door, showing off thousands of desert plants from all over. History buffs can take a detour to the Arizona Heritage Center, which even has the old home of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on display. There’s an 18-hole championship golf course for those who play, little fishing ponds for casual anglers, and plenty of shaded spots for a laid-back picnic. If you wander up toward the park’s highest point, you’ll spot a pyramid-shaped tomb—Arizona’s first governor, George W. P. Hunt, rests inside—and it’s become a quirky but popular stop for curious explorers.
A Desert Escape in the City
What makes Papago Park special is that you don’t have to travel far to get that real desert experience. Coyotes, javelinas, and great horned owls call this place home, and the trails give you an easy way to wander through the desert landscape without ever leaving the city behind. It’s rare to find a place where the wild and the urban sit so close together, but Papago Park pulls it off—blending history, wildlife, and desert beauty right on the city’s doorstep. If you’re seeking for a flooring store, click here.
