High in a red sandstone butte, nature carved a perfect window — and through it, all of Phoenix comes into view. Hole-in-the-Rock is one of those places that makes everyone say ‘wow’ out loud!
This natural rock chamber sits inside Papago Park, a beautiful public desert park just east of downtown Phoenix. The short, easy trail up the butte takes only minutes, and at the top you can climb through the famous ‘hole’ — a chamber with a naturally framed opening that looks out over the city, Camelback Mountain, and the red buttes of the park. The Hohokam people used this spot centuries ago to track the sun’s path.
It’s ideal for families with kids, photographers, and anyone who wants a big view with a tiny climb. Best tip: come at sunset, when the red rock glows and the city lights start twinkling below — and it’s completely free, with easy parking right nearby.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Tony the Marine (Marine 69-71)
