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    Hole in the Rock Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    0.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    0.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    10 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
    Hole in the Rock Trail

    The Hole in the Rock is one of the most popular hikes in Phoenix, especially for families. This route leads you up to a cave in a giant red rock, which looks like something out of an aquarium. The hole gives you a view of the beautiful golf course and botanical gardens below, but its uses by Native people were much more practical. The hike is easy and very short. If you can climb a few sets of stairs, you can likely make it up to the hole in the rock. Dogs on leash are welcome. Expect a busy trail.

    This route is located in Papago Park, a popular recreation area just minutes from downtown Phoenix. Papago Park was a reservation in past years, then a fish hatchery in the Great Depression, a prisoner of war camp in WWII, and a VA hospital. Talk about a storied past! Today, it offers hiking opportunities and access to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens.

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    Route Description for 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.

    Insider Hints for Hole in the Rock Trail

    • Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy after your hike.
    • Stop by the zoo or the botanical garden to extend your adventures!

    Getting to the Hole in the Rock Trail Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Hole in the Rock Trail is off N Ranger Office Loop Trail.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      October-May

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Good

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Hole in the Rock Trail Elevation Graph

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