Pagago Park
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For directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Papago+Park,+Tempe,+AZ&hl=en&ll=33.451209,-111.943302&spn=0.035019,0.075874&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.684144,77.695313&vpsrc=6&hq=Papago+Park,+Tempe,+AZ&t=h&z=14
The Park
Papago Park is a large (1,200 acres) beautiful place with lots to offer. Where else can you find a red sandstone mountain with chambers that you can explore, a Lake with two beautiful swans, a pyramidal tomb, a nature trail, and hiking? Papago Park is a unique and wonderful place to visit!
Hole in the Rock
The first stop on our Papago Adventure was The Hole in the Rock trail. It’s a very short (0.10 miles) and easy trail, I would call it more of a sightseeing trek than a hike, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
*Warning* There was A LOT of broken glass all over this path and up into the rock itself. Be careful of where you and your dog walk.*
Hunt’s Tomb
Papago Park
Our next stop was a visit to Hunt’s Tomb. This is the resting place of Arizona’s first governor, George W.P. Hunt. We simply walked from where we had parked at the Hole in the Rock parking lot, followed the road down a path to one of the ponds and crossed the street to the Tomb. Once again, there’s not much hiking going on, but the park is lovely and the weather was so beautiful that it was just nice to be outside.
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| The plaque |
Papago Ponds
Feeling the need to explore, we walked back to the car taking a different route. Morgaine was excited when she spotted the ducks by the water’s edge and we went to say hello…well,. I said hello, she said “woof.”
The Nature Trail
Still feeling adventurous, we meandered around until we came across the Nature Trail, which starts at the Ranger’s Station. There are bathrooms and a drinking fountain located in the parking lot, so if you need a quick stop, this is a good place to go. The trail is easy and only 0.5 miles in length. It is marked with plaques that describe the local flora and fauna and provides an enjoyable stroll.
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| I thought the name was cute. |
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| Another reminder to be careful when you hike |
Eliot Trail
Papago Park
Feeling the need for more of a workout, we got back in our car and crossed the road to the other side of Papago (the road is called East Moreland on the west side of the Galvin Parkway). On the right-hand-side is a trailhead parking lot for the Eliot Trail. This trail is 2.7-miles, an easy path with great views.
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| We took a short detour and climbed a steep hill that lead to great views |
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| It was around 9:30 am when this picture was taken, this is the back side of the #5 trail |
