Located between Tempe and Scottsdale is an underrated natural wonder most Arizonans either overlook entirely, or quite simply don’t know it even exists. But it’s spectacular – and weird – and a natural wonder you’ll want to see the next time you’re nearby. Or, better yet, why not schedule a day trip to check it out asap?!
Perhaps one of the reasons it’s overlooked is related to its location.
TripAdvisor/jjctraveler It’s in Phoenix’s Papago Park, and completely surrounded by other more publicized attractions, like the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden.
But the park contains an oddly shaped sandstone butte that is simply called “Hole in the Rock.”
TripAdvisor/Doubleadventure Nope. No fancy names, no marketing… just one of the most loved Phoenix landmarks that all locals feel compelled to take each and every out-of-town visitor to experience.
It’s good for at least a couple of hours of climbing, scrambling, exploring, and yes… posing for photos.
TripAdvisor/Cassandra111111 The distinctive red sandstone formation is thought to be in the neighborhood of 6-15 million years old.
The holes in the huge formation were eroded over time to form large cavernous openings.
TripAdvisor/Cassandra111111 Some of the openings pass all the way through the rock, making a tunnel of sorts to pass through as you explore the colossal landmark.
Getting up there isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
TripAdvisor/photobratboy There is a forged walkway that begins with makeshift stairs. Those eventually give way to just rocks you have to navigate over. Then, eventually, you’re just climbing all over the raw rock edges inside the holes and around the outside of the big formation. (Please wear appropriate shoes.)
Time your trip right and you’ll be sharing a sunset (or sunrise, depending on the time of day and which side of the hole you’re peering out of) with a whole new set of friends with whom you now have this fun adventure in common.
TripAdvisor/Sicarrie
The Hole in the Rock trail is considered easy and measures approximately two-tenths of a mile, with an elevation change of 200 feet. From the Parkway, turn into Papago Park and navigate to the left of the Phoenix Zoo. The parking area for the Hole in the Rock is straight ahead. From the parking area, follow the trail to the right of the rock; it winds around to the backside where you’ll find the stairs that rise up the back face of the rock formation.
TripAdvisor/jjctraveler
It’s in Phoenix’s Papago Park, and completely surrounded by other more publicized attractions, like the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden.
TripAdvisor/Doubleadventure
Nope. No fancy names, no marketing… just one of the most loved Phoenix landmarks that all locals feel compelled to take each and every out-of-town visitor to experience.
TripAdvisor/Cassandra111111
The distinctive red sandstone formation is thought to be in the neighborhood of 6-15 million years old.
TripAdvisor/Cassandra111111
Some of the openings pass all the way through the rock, making a tunnel of sorts to pass through as you explore the colossal landmark.
TripAdvisor/photobratboy
There is a forged walkway that begins with makeshift stairs. Those eventually give way to just rocks you have to navigate over. Then, eventually, you’re just climbing all over the raw rock edges inside the holes and around the outside of the big formation. (Please wear appropriate shoes.)
TripAdvisor/Sicarrie
Hole in the Rock is located at 625 N Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008 (follow additional directions above). It’s open to the public from 5:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. Hours may vary on holidays. Learn more on the official website of Papago Park.
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