Papago to Tempe Town Lake
Phoenix, Arizona
| Address: | ~1301 N 52nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA |
| GPS: |
33°27'41.5"N 111°58'4.4"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 12.50 miles |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Hike Difficulty: | Beginner |
| Elevation Gain: | 433 feet |
Lakes Rivers Trails Rocks Pet Friendly
Hike
Linking two of the Phoenix area's signature destinations, the route from Papago Park to Tempe Town Lake is one of the Valley's most rewarding urban walks and bike rides — an easy, scenic way to string together desert buttes and cool waterfront in a single outing.
Papago Park itself is a 1,500-acre expanse of distinctive red sandstone buttes rising straight from the desert floor. Its trails lead to famous spots like Hole-in-the-Rock — a naturally eroded opening the ancient Hohokam used to track the sun — along with lagoons, Hunt's Tomb, and easy paths with sweeping city-and-mountain views. From there, a network of canal-side paths connects toward Tempe Town Lake, where the route rolls along the water and slips beneath the century-old Tempe bridges and the historic railroad bridge.
You can mix and match the interconnected trails and paths to suit your mood — a short desert stroll among the buttes, or a longer ride out to the lakefront and back. The Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo sit right in Papago Park too, making it easy to build a full day.
This is exposed Sonoran Desert, so go early in the warm months, carry plenty of water, and wear sun protection.
More Information
Papago Park - Tempe Tourism
Papago Park is one of the most scenic desert areas in the Phoenix metro area. Explore its 1,500 acres filled with hiking and biking trails
https://www.tempetourism.com/things-to-do/papago-park/Papago Park | Visit Arizona
Papago Park might feel more like walking on the surface of a red planet with its massive red sandstone boulders. Plan a hiking or biking trip today!
https://www.visitarizona.com/places/parks-monuments/papago-parkBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Phoenix, Arizona
- Head west on W Washington St toward 1st Ave (0.5 mi)
- Turn right onto N 7th Ave (0.8 mi)
- Turn right to merge onto I-10 E toward Tucson (2.3 mi)
- Take exit 147A-147B for AZ-202 Loop E (0.4 mi)
- Keep left to continue toward AZ-202 Loop E (0.3 mi)
- Continue onto AZ-202 Loop E (3.2 mi)
- Take exit 4 for 52nd St toward Van Buren St (0.4 mi)
- Turn left onto N 52nd St (0.5 mi)
Other Hiking Trails Nearby
Double Butte Loop Trail
Phoenix, Arizona
0.9 miles SEA beginner-friendly 2.3-mile flat loop trail in Papago Park through Sonoran Desert vegetation — cholla, saguaro, and desert wildlife — with plenty of parking at the West Park lot.
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Crosscut Canal Trail
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2.0 miles SEA two-mile concrete multi-use trail linking Tempe Town Lake to Papago Park, with canal views, desert buttes, a reservoir hidden in the Papago Buttes, and panoramic city views from the high point.
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Tempe Town Lake Trail
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Loma and Canal Trails
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2.3 miles SEMountain biking and hiking trails through Papago Park in Tempe — the Loma Trail winds through hills to a small lake and playground, while the Canal Trail hugs the shady south canal.
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