Hole in the Rock, Maricopa County Travel Guide

4.7 (5821)

Explore a unique red sandstone formation in Papago Park, offering scenic Phoenix views and a glimpse into ancient Hohokam history.

Hole in the Rock, a geological formation in Phoenix's Papago Park, offers stunning views and a glimpse into the past. This red sandstone butte, marked with large openings, was used by the ancient Hohokam people as a solar calendar and continues to be a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.

A brief summary to Hole in the Rock

625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, Camelback East Village, Arizona, 85008, US
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Monday 5 am-7 pm
Tuesday 5 am-7 pm
Wednesday 5 am-7 pm
Thursday 5 am-7 pm
Friday 5 am-7 pm
Saturday 5 am-7 pm
Sunday 5 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hole in the Rock.

Visit during the fall and spring months for milder temperatures and more enjoyable hiking conditions.
Bring water and sunscreen, even during cooler months, to protect yourself from the intense Arizona sun.
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the trail can be steep and the rock crumbly in places.
Bring a flashlight if you plan to stay for sunset, as the trail can be difficult to navigate in the dark.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Phoenix Zoo or Desert Botanical Garden for a full day of activities.

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Explore Hole in the Rock on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hole in the Rock, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The Hole-in-the-Rock trailhead parking lot is located at 1100 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ. Parking is free. From the parking lot, the hike to Hole-in-the-Rock typically takes 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport

Take the #3 bus from Van Buren Street and Central Avenue station to the Phoenix Zoo. Exit in front of the zoo, which is a short distance from the Hole-in-the-Rock trailhead. Walk to the trailhead parking lot and then hike up to Hole-in-the-Rock. A single ride on the bus costs $2.
Ride Share

From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a taxi or ride-share to Hole in the Rock is approximately 4 miles. The cost is about $15-$25.

Discover more about Hole in the Rock

Hole in the Rock is a captivating geological formation nestled within Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona. This natural wonder, a red sandstone butte riddled with openings called tafoni, offers visitors a unique blend of scenic beauty and historical significance.Formed an estimated 6 to 20 million years ago through erosion, Hole in the Rock served as a calendar for the ancient Hohokam people who inhabited the Sonoran Desert. By observing the sun's rays as they passed through the openings, the Hohokam tracked the seasons and marked solstices, using the rock to determine optimal times for planting crops and holding ceremonies.Today, Hole in the Rock remains a popular destination, offering panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline, the nearby Papago Golf Course, and the Desert Botanical Garden. The short, easy hike to the formation makes it accessible for families and beginner hikers. Visitors can explore the "cave-like" interior and capture stunning photographs of the surrounding landscape. The park provides picnic tables and cooking grills near the parking lot, making it ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.