1400 acres in size and actually located in both Phoenix and the city of Tempe, Papago park is a hilly desert park that has been designated a ‘Phoenix Point of Pride.’ An Indian reservation less than a hundred years ago, Papago Park is surrounded by Phoenix, Tempe & Scottsdale. The park is most notable for the great amount of beautiful red rock seen throughout the park, formed more than six million years ago. This article will highlight the features of Papago Park and attempt to describe the entire beauty of Papago Park that the residents of Arizona are lucky to have.
Throughout the park’s sedimentary formation, thin layers of sand and rock overlie a natural landform of bedrock. Due to water erosion, many holes can be seen throughout the red rock. Urban encroachment has caused very few large mammals to still be able to thrive in the parks conditions, making jackrabbits, squirrels and mice the only warm-blooded species often seen aside from a variety of birds. Cacti and palm trees are some of the limited flora that will thrive in the conditions of the Sonoran Desert. Outside of natural habitats, though, the park does boast World-renowned Desert Botanical Gardens, The Phoenix Zoo, fire museum & the Papago Park Golf Course.
Papago Park offers many great facility features and amenities that are common in other state parks. The park has numerous roads for paved access, adequate lodging, restrooms & accessible drinking water. Oil, gasoline, groceries and proper permits are sold in locations throughout the park. While no boats are allowed within it, Papago Park does have its own pond that contains numerous types of fish from trout to tilapia. An urban fishing license is required to fish in the pond, though. The park even has a restaurant to serve its patrons after a long day of hiking.
The parks unique location to all three major cities makes it a convenient day-trip for those living in central Phoenix apartments, Tempe and even Scottsdale. Arizona tourists and residents alike are fortunate to have such a large designated space for a variety of recreational activities, from swimming to archery and don't forget the great papago park golf courses. Whether you’re looking for a nice hike or a relaxing day out in the sun, Papago Park is surely a reason to get out of your Phoenix apartment and into the outdoors.
