Hole in the Rock · Running route
Papago Park Running Route
- Distance
- 5.6 mi
- Route
- Park loop
- Area
- Hole in the Rock
Run it, connect Strava or upload your run — your medal unlocks automatically. Free.
Papago Park is desert running at its best: red sandstone buttes, saguaros and the famous Hole in the Rock. The Park Mile route is the loop of about 5.6 miles through the park.
The route
- Distance: about 5.6 miles around the park.
- Terrain: packed desert trails with gentle hills.
- Bonus: the short climb to Hole in the Rock for the view.
Tips
- Go at sunrise or sunset — and never without water.
- Stay on the trails; cactus spines are no joke.
- Great sunset photos from Hole in the Rock.
How to unlock the Papago Park medal
- Run the route above — any pace counts, walk breaks included.
- Copy your Strava activity link (or a link to a screenshot of your watch or phone).
- Submit it on the Park Mile Passport page. Once approved, the Papago Park medal unlocks in your passport. It's free.
Running with a crew? Join the Park Mile club on Strava and share your park runs.
Looking for your next park?
All Phoenix park running routes →