The Hole in the Rock at Papago Park is a natural sandstone geological formation located within a municipal park in Phoenix, Arizona. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in April 2026 and confirms that while the trails remain open late, the east parking lot gates still close promptly at 7:00 pm.
Quick facts
| Fact | Details |
| Opening hours | Parking gates open 5:00 am to 7:00 pm; Trails open 5:00 am to 11:00 pm daily |
| Ticket prices | Free admission |
| Address | 625 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | On-site parking lot at the trailhead off Galvin Parkway |
| Typical time needed | 30 to 45 minutes |
Hole in the Rock at Papago Park opening hours
The Hole in the Rock at Papago Park trails are open year-round from 5:00 am until 11:00 pm daily. There are no seasonal variations to these trail access hours.
However, the parking lot and entrance gates on the east side of Galvin Parkway, which serve the trailhead, open at 5:00 am and close strictly at 7:00 pm. Visitors arriving or leaving after 7:00 pm must park outside the gated areas.
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- 🍽️ Take a food tour along Roosevelt Row – with 7 tastings.
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Hole in the Rock at Papago Park ticket prices
There is no admission fee to visit the formation or the surrounding park. Both entry to the site and the use of the on-site parking facilities are entirely free of charge.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
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How to get to Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
The site is located on the east side of Galvin Parkway, approximately seven miles east of downtown Phoenix. Driving is the most direct method, as public transport options to the specific trailhead are limited.
Local bus routes service the wider Papago Park area, but navigating to the specific rock formation requires walking from stops situated on McDowell Road or Priest Drive.
Parking at Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
Visitors can park in the dedicated free parking lot located directly at the base of the trailhead. This lot is accessed by turning east off Galvin Parkway at the main Papago Park entrance.
If the primary lot is full, overflow parking is available near the Papago Park Visitor Center and the adjacent picnic ramadas, which are a short walk from the trailhead.
How long to spend at Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
A standard visit requires 30 to 45 minutes. This timeframe covers the short hike from the parking lot, time spent inside the rock formation, and the return walk down.
Visitors who plan to use the adjacent picnic facilities, hike the perimeter trails, or watch the sunset should allocate an hour or more.
Accessibility at Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
The main chamber inside the rock formation is not wheelchair accessible. Reaching the opening requires navigating a 0.25-mile dirt trail that ascends behind the butte and features uneven, makeshift stone steps.
However, the paved Ranger Office Loop Trail that runs along the base of the formation is flat and accessible for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs, offering clear views of the rock from the ground.
Inside / what to see at Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
The primary feature is the main chamber, a large, shelter-like opening eroded completely through a red sandstone hill. Visitors climb via a short path around the back of the butte to enter this chamber, which is large enough for adults to stand inside comfortably.
From inside the opening, visitors look westward over the park. The elevation provides clear sightlines of the Phoenix skyline, the adjacent golf course, and the nearby oasis-like lagoons.
A second, smaller opening sits in the ceiling of the main chamber. The Hohokam people previously used this ceiling hole to track the position of sunlight on the floor to mark equinoxes and solstices.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Visit early in the morning between June and September to avoid extreme desert heat. |
| Crowds | Expect high volumes of visitors during the hour leading up to sunset, as the west-facing opening is a known photography location. |
| Layout | Approach the chamber via the established path on the eastern, rear side of the butte rather than attempting to climb the steep front face. |
| Entry process | Park in the lot immediately off Galvin Parkway and follow the pedestrian signs to the trailhead. |
| On-site logistics | Carry drinking water, as there is no shade on the trail and the rock surfaces retain heat. |
Frequently asked questions about Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
| Question | Answer |
| Is Hole in the Rock at Papago Park suitable for children? | Yes, the trail is short and manageable for children, though supervision is required on the uneven steps and near the drop-offs. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Hole in the Rock at Papago Park? | No advance booking is required as the site is a free, unticketed municipal park. |
| Is Hole in the Rock at Papago Park open on Sundays? | Yes, the trails and parking areas are open every Sunday under standard operating hours. |
| Are bags allowed at Hole in the Rock at Papago Park? | Yes, visitors can bring day bags and rucksacks, though hands-free bags are recommended for navigating the steps. |
Things to do near Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
- Phoenix Zoo: A large zoological park located immediately across Galvin Parkway, featuring global habitats and local desert species.
- Desert Botanical Garden: A 140-acre garden showcasing thousands of species of cacti, trees, and flowers from deserts around the world.
- Papago Golf Course: An 18-hole public golf course set within the park, positioned directly below the rock formation.
- Hall of Flame Fire Museum: A museum preserving and displaying historical fire apparatus and firefighting equipment from across the globe.
- Arizona Heritage Center: A museum detailing the history of central Arizona, including its indigenous peoples and modern development.
More Arizona travel
Other Arizona travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Planning a visit to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.
- What to expect at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix.
- Visitor guides to the Arizona Heritage Center and Sea Life Aquarium Arizona in Tempe.
- Where to stop on the drive from Flagstaff to Williams.
- How to drive the Hermit Road without taking the shuttle bus.
