Hole in the Rock Tours

Hole in the Rock featuring desert views
Hole in the Rock featuring desert views and landscape views
Hole in the Rock showing mountains and climbing
Hole in the Rock showing desert views and mountains
Hole in the Rock featuring desert views, a pond and a small town or village


Explore a geological phenomenon that has been millions of years in the making. While here, enjoy unbeatable views of Phoenix.

On a small sandstone hill in Papago Park is a distinctive geological formation known as the Hole in the Rock. This intriguing red mound is 6 to 15 million years old. Visit this incredible natural site, learn about its history and enjoy the view.

Notice the number of large holes in the rock. These are natural openings called tafoni and were most likely caused by the erosive action of water. Historians believe that the Hohokam, the prehistoric people of the Sonoran Desert, used the rock formation as a calendar. They are thought to have marked changing seasons by tracking the movement of sunlight on the floor as it passed through the holes.

Hike up to the rock via one of the paths. It only takes a few minutes, but be careful because it is quite steep and the rock underfoot is crumbly in places. One of the easiest routes is via the manmade steps on the eastern side of the hill. Between June and September, it is best to make this trek early in the morning to avoid the summer heat.

Once you are at the top, climb within the main chamber inside the rock where you will easily be able to stand at full height. Take advantage of the elevation to admire views of the park. In the distance, you can see western Phoenix and the mountains that tower above the city.

The Hole in the Rock is located on the east side of Papago Park, close to the main entrance. Just follow the signs. The 1,500-acre (600-hectare) park is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) east of downtown Phoenix. There is no public transportation access but on-site car parking is free. 

Papago Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is free to enter. Explore the rest of the park during your visit. Catch trout in the Fishing Lagoon, make use of the picnic facilities and hike other interesting trails. While you are in Phoenix, enjoy more of its attractions, including the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden.

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Best Lodging Options Near Hole in the Rock

 Scottsdale Parkview Resort

Scottsdale Parkview Resort

3.5 out of 5
7707 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale Parkview Resort
Tempe Oasis

Tempe Oasis

2 out of 5
1635 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ
Tempe Oasis
Papago Scottsdale by Reside, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Papago Scottsdale by Reside, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
7017 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ
Papago Scottsdale by Reside, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Element Scottsdale at SkySong

Element Scottsdale at SkySong

3 out of 5
1345 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ
Element Scottsdale at SkySong
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Tempe University

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Tempe University

3 out of 5
1429 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Tempe University
Springhill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale Marriott

Springhill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale Marriott

2 out of 5
1500 NORTH SCOTTSDALE ROAD, Scottsdale, AZ
Springhill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale Marriott
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe

Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe

2.5 out of 5
1415 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, AZ
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe
Comfort Inn & Suites Tempe Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Comfort Inn & Suites Tempe Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

2.5 out of 5
808 North Scottsdale Road, Tempe, AZ
Comfort Inn & Suites Tempe Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport - PHX by IHG

Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport - PHX by IHG

3.5 out of 5
4300 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ
Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport - PHX by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hole in the Rock

At Hole in the Rock in Phoenix, Arizona, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing. The area offers scenic trails and unique geological formations to explore. Golf enthusiasts will also find nearby golf courses that provide a great golfing experience amidst beautiful desert landscapes. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Hole in the Rock has something for everyone.

Shopping

For shopping near Hole in the Rock, visit Scottsdale Fashion Square, just 4.8km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly spots. Biltmore Fashion Park is 9.7km away, while Arizona Mills Mall, located 8.0km away, also features a diverse shopping experience.

Recreation

Chase Field, a vibrant sports stadium, offers an exhilarating atmosphere just 11.3km from Hole in the Rock, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Tempe Beach Park, located 3.2km away, provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and wellness activities. For outdoor sports lovers, the Arizona Grand Golf Course is 9.7km away, featuring beautiful greens.

Adventure

At Hole in the Rock, experience the thrills of Oasis Water Park, located 9.7km away, perfect for family fun and adventure. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, 11.3km away, offers exciting water attractions. For tennis enthusiasts, the ASU Whiteman Tennis Center, 3.2km away, provides an adventurous atmosphere.

Nightlife

In Hole in the Rock, the Celebrity Theater offers a captivating atmosphere with live performances, just 6.4km away. For a family-friendly movie night, head 9.7km to AMC Esplanade 14. For adventure lovers, Tempe Paintball, also 6.4km away, provides an exciting arcade experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Hole in the Rock

When visiting Hole in the Rock in Phoenix, Arizona, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Explore nearby urban parks, scenic mountains, and modern universities, offering a blend of culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly experiences. Don’t miss out on the best local points of interest that promise to make your vacation memorable.

  • Arizona State University: Located 3.2km from Hole in the Rock, this vibrant campus offers a dynamic atmosphere filled with modern architecture, art installations, and bustling student life. It's a great place to experience the pulse of education and innovation.
  • Camelback Mountain: Just 6.4km away, this iconic mountain is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike its challenging trails for stunning panoramic views of the Phoenix area and enjoy the adventure that comes with navigating its rugged terrain.
  • Tempe Town Lake: Situated 3.2km from Hole in the Rock, this picturesque lake provides a serene escape. Enjoy outdoor activities like paddleboarding or take a romantic stroll along the scenic pathways that surround the water.

Best time to go to Hole in the Rock

The best time to visit Hole in the Rock is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. January and December are its coolest month on average. At the time of December, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.4°F (13.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
February58.6°F (14.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March66.0°F (18.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April74.5°F (23.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May82.0°F (27.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June92.3°F (33.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
July95.7°F (35.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
August94.8°F (34.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September89.8°F (32.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October77.7°F (25.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
November65.5°F (18.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
December55.4°F (13.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hole in the Rock

To save money on your trip to Hole in the Rock, consider visiting during the off-peak months of June to August when hotel prices are lower. Stay on a Monday for the best rates, as Saturday is typically the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, especially by filtering for Eco-certified options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities through package deals for additional savings. Lastly, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hole in the Rock are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hole in the Rock is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Hole in the Rock is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Explore Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Hole in the Rock with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia