Credit: Joe Flood on Wikimedia, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

The Joys of Hiking the Papago Park Trails

For Optima® residents, the focus on a healthy, active lifestyle is a core component of community living, supporting our emphasis on wellness and connection to nature to foster physical health and mental well-being. One of the most exciting extensions of these lifestyle values for our residents at Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain® is the proximity to Papago Park, a local treasure that offers diverse hiking experiences amid the stunning backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. Just a short drive from these Optima® communities, Papago Park is the perfect destination for residents looking to engage in outdoor activities, appreciate natural beauty, and enjoy the unique landscapes that Arizona has to offer.

Discovering Papago Park
Papago Park stretches across both sides of Interstate 40, near the town of Holbrook in Northern Arizona. This expansive park is renowned for its unique geological formations, including the iconic red sandstone buttes, which are a defining feature of the Phoenix landscape. The park’s trails offer a variety of experiences, from easy walks to more challenging hikes, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Sonoran Desert.

One of the great things about Papago Park is its variety of trails, each offering a unique perspective on the park’s natural beauty. Here are some of the most popular trails that you can explore:

Crosscut Canal Path
This easy trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Starting at the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, it follows the canal and passes by the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo. With a distance of 1.4 miles and an elevation change of just 20 feet, it’s accessible for all fitness levels.

Galvin Bikeway Trail
Connecting the Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, and the Phoenix Zoo, the Galvin Bikeway Trail is another easy option. This 1.4-mile concrete pathway runs parallel to Galvin Parkway and provides access to a bus stop on Van Buren Street. The trail offers scenic views and a smooth, flat surface ideal for cyclists and walkers alike.

Hole-in-the-Rock in Papago Park. Credit: Corey Seeman on Flickr Creative Commons, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
For those looking for a short but rewarding hike, the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail is a must-visit. Starting at the Papago Park Visitor Center, this 0.2-mile trail winds up to a large viewing hole in the butte, offering panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Despite its short distance, the 200-foot elevation change provides a bit of a workout.

Nature Trail
This 0.5-mile gravel trail is perfect for families and those interested in the local flora. The Nature Trail, starting at the Papago Park Visitor Center, guides visitors through a well-marked path surrounded by native plants. The trail runs adjacent to picnic ramadas and a small playground, making it a great option for a relaxed outing.

Ranger Office Loop Trail
Ideal for a quick stroll, the Ranger Office Loop Trail is a 0.6-mile paved path that circles the main Papago Park Roadway. This easy trail features several parking areas, picnic spots, and public restrooms, making it convenient for all visitors.

The Western Trails of Papago Park
Big Butte Loop Trail
Starting at the West Park Drive parking lot, this 0.8-mile natural trail offers dramatic views of downtown Phoenix. The trail passes by an amphitheater built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and showcases the typical Sonoran Desert landscape.

Double Butte Loop Trail
For a slightly longer hike, the Double Butte Loop Trail covers 2.3 miles around both the small and larger double buttes. This natural trail provides stunning vistas and a moderate challenge for hikers.

Elliot Ramada Loop Trail
At 2.7 miles, the Elliot Ramada Loop Trail is one of the longer options in Papago Park. It features a ramada rest stop at the halfway point and offers spectacular views of the downtown corridor. The trail combines dirt paths and paved roadways, with benches along the way for rest.

Little Butte Loop Trail
This 0.5-mile trail is perfect for exploring the smaller buttes and observing native desert plants. Starting at the West Park Drive parking lot, it offers great views of the downtown area and Papago Golf Course.

Papago Park 5K Fitness Trail
Ideal for those looking to combine hiking with fitness, this 3.1-mile trail features multiple outdoor exercise stations. The crushed granite path navigates the western portion of Papago Park, providing opportunities for a full-body workout while enjoying the desert scenery.

Embracing the Outdoors
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful nature walk, a challenging hike, or a fun family outing, Papago Park has something for everyone. The park’s extensive trail network, combined with its proximity to Phoenix and Scottsdale, makes it an ideal destination for residents of Optima®’s communities. So lace up your hiking boots, pack some water, and get ready to explore the natural wonders of Papago Park. You’ll find the detailed trail map here!