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Papago Park in Tempe
4.4 ★★★★☆ 382 Google reviews · Running trail in Tempe, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Papago Park in Tempe's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Public park with a restroom, playground, and picnic tables, as well as hiking trails.
What runners say about Papago Park in Tempe
“Papago Park in Tempe is a beautiful desert park with stunning red rock formations and scenic trails.”
Amazing park with tons of trail options although there’s not too much shade. Easily spend an hour or two exploring the wildlife and the unique natural scenery. Easy access with plenty of parking nearby.
Plenty of trails to hike on! A nice, large playground for kids. Multiple pavilions for picnicking.
I quite like this park. Lots of things to do here. There is lots of various hiking trails. It’s close to the river. Nice early in the morning and in the afternoon.
Nice place with a beautiful view of Tempe. A couple of wild animals. Quiet and pleasant. I took a walk with my dog and she had fun.
Trail conditions & character
“Papago Park in Tempe is a beautiful desert park with stunning red rock formations and scenic trails.”
“Playground, dog park, 3 ramadas, lots of seating around the small lake, volleyball courts, and easy access to hiking (where I befriended the 2 chipmunks)”
“There is parking, playground area for children, picnic tables, really nice park!”
“Good place to bring the dogs, plenty of shade, lots of picnic tables, there IS a playground & restroom 👍”
Plan your run at Papago Park in Tempe
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetempe.gov
- Phone(480) 350-5200
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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