Hole in the Rock

Hole in the Rock Trailhead
3.9
16 Reviews
Hole in the Rock
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Details

Distance
0.27 miles
Elevation Gain
33 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Picnic Area
Family Friendly
Easy Parking
Dog Friendly
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Directions
Check-in
Track

About this place

Added by Grant Thomas

The popular Hole in the Rock at Papago Park is the perfect place to take in the views and capture some unique photos!

Papago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo. The park is known for its rock formations and short hiking / running trails.

The main attraction, the Hole in the Rock, at the top of the short trail, is a great place to take pictures as it is one of the highest points in the area and it offers great views of the rest of the park. To get there, simply park in the parking lot (if the small parking lot is full, don't fret. The Phoenix Zoo is right next to the park and you can find room to park there) Once parked follow the Hole In The Rock trail around the back of the rock formation. The trail is short and only gains about 200 feet of elevation so even children can do it. Just make sure to be careful, as the trail is rocky and it can be easy to trip or twist an ankle.

From the lookout area at the end of the trail you will be able to look through the hole and see a few small lakes where you can fish. If you turn around and face away from the hole in the rock you will also be able to see a few other trails that meander around the park. A detailed map of the rest of the trails in the park can be found below.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Sebas and Sara Arango
4/7/2026
Good Views
Adequately Maintained
Good Conditions
Decently Marked
Easy To Park
Bathrooms
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Sebas and Sara Arango
4/7/2026
Good Views
Adequately Maintained
Good Conditions
Decently Marked
Easy To Park
Bathrooms
Report
Geoff Gallagher
6/30/2025
Part of the Phoenix zoo is natural rock has a hole in it where you sit in it and watch the sunset over Phoenix, ...
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
Easy To Park
Well Marked
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Ian Raab
3/19/2025
Great veiws, super crowed midday, and awesome sunset watching in evening. Super short “hike” less than a quarter mile from the parking lot. Great 360 veiws ...
Good Views
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Genevieve Scott Anthony
2/16/2025
Amazing Views
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Cindy LoCricchio
2/11/2023
Hole with a view
Hole in the rock is about 10 minutes from the parking lot, it’s super cool, glad we did it and we also kept hiking. ...
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Tien Dang
1/1/2021
Not much of a hike
I wouldn't say this was much of a hike. You probably won't break much of a sweat unless you are hiking it during the ...
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Lucas Bremer
Club
9/22/2020
great trail for after work
This urban park built into a wilderness area makes this quick but steep hike full of awesome views.
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Crystal Sibson
8/13/2020
Fun Family Friendly Hike
The hike to the cave in Papago Park is a short hike in the city that offers good views and is for all experience levels.
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Laura Hill
7/2/2020
Easy and Quick!
Great place to watch the sunset! But as this is INCREDIBLY short, I wouldn't say it's much of a hike :) Very ...
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Joseph Gulizia
12/10/2018
Super Short Perfect for Kids
Super short hike, pretty easy, something to do with the kids. There is a great view at the top.
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Jacob Wright
7/9/2017
Decent
It was a decent hike, especially for a beginner like myself. Hiked it at night a few years back with my wife, had a ...
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Lacie Griego
11/3/2016
Ok
Not really too much of an adventure but there is a decent view of the city lights if you go up at night.
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Joli R
9/27/2016
Nice
It is extremely simple if you go to the main hole in the rock but if your looking for a bit of a challenge ...
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Jared Blitz
7/6/2016
Boring
This spot was great as a little kid. As an adult, all I can remember is the smell of beer and urine. ...
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Laurence Haley
5/30/2016
Awesome Chill Spot
The Hole in The Rock is a great place to spend an hour or so in the shade overlooking the valley... The breeze that ...
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