Guides

Things to do in Phoenix: Papago Park and Camelback

Things to do in Phoenix: Papago Park's desert landscape, Camelback Mountain trail advice and practical heat planning.

Start with the desert landscape at Papago Park, but don't make every Phoenix day a hiking day. Camelback needs a serious decision about fitness, heat and trail conditions, while the city's gardens and museums give you other ways to understand where you are. Here are six places to choose from, with indoor options built into the plan.

1. Papago Park

Papago's rock formations give you a desert outing without committing to Camelback's summit. The short Hole-in-the-Rock trail wraps behind the butte to a viewing opening, while other paths offer different ways to explore. Choose the route to suit your group rather than following everyone uphill.

Good to know

  • The city rates Hole-in-the-Rock as easy, but it is a natural dirt path with steps, not a smooth promenade.
  • Use the city’s trail guide for alternatives such as the canal path and Nature Trail.
  • Trailhead and trail hours differ. Check both before planning an early or late visit.
  • Short does not mean heat-safe. Reduce outdoor time or choose a museum during excessive heat.

2. Camelback Mountain: Echo Canyon

Camelback is for a deliberate hiking plan, not a casual extra after breakfast. The city rates the Echo Canyon summit route extremely difficult, so the climb is very different from Papago's easier paths. If that doesn't suit your experience or the weather, leave the summit for another visit.

Good to know

  • Check the city’s live heat-restriction information before setting out; obey closures rather than looking for a way around them.
  • The trailhead is open sunrise to sunset. Winter and spring parking can fill, and you cannot idle on nearby roads waiting for a space.
  • Dogs are prohibited on all Camelback trails year-round.
  • Choose an indoor plan during excessive heat; trail access alone is not a guarantee of safe hiking conditions.

3. Desert Botanical Garden

The garden is a way to give desert plants your attention rather than treating them as scenery on a hike. Make this a separate outing with time to look closely and walk at your own pace. It is still an outdoor plan, so let the temperature decide how much time you spend here.

Good to know

  • Admission is paid; check current tickets and seasonal opening hours on dbg.org.
  • Parking on site is free.
  • General admission may not include special ticketed events or exhibitions. Check what your ticket covers.
  • Check special closures before travelling, and switch to an indoor stop during excessive heat.

4. Heard Museum

Start with HOME: Native People in the Southwest for art and stories told through Native voices. Jewelry, pottery, textiles and other works sit alongside reflections on family, land, language and community. It gives you a much richer sense of the region than a landscape-only visit.

Good to know

  • HOME is included with museum admission; check current tickets before visiting.
  • The exhibition page lists summer Monday closures. Confirm seasonal hours rather than assuming every day is the same.
  • The museum is at 2301 North Central Avenue; use its current visit information to plan your arrival.

5. Musical Instrument Museum

Give an indoor day to music from around the world. The Geographic Galleries, Artist Gallery and Mechanical Music Gallery offer different starting points, so you can follow your interests instead of trying to see everything in order. This is a full outing in its own right, not just something to do when hiking falls through.

Good to know

  • The museum is open daily; check holiday exceptions on mim.org.
  • Standard museum admission excludes the special exhibition. Compare ticket options before buying.
  • Parking is free, with the entrance on Mayo Boulevard. Use the museum’s address rather than assuming it is beside the central-city museums.

6. Phoenix Art Museum

Keep an art visit in your plans when you want a break from outdoor sightseeing. The museum's Wednesday pay-what-you-wish period gives you another way to fit a gallery visit into the week. Check what is on view first and choose something you'd like to spend time with.

Good to know

  • Wednesday pay-what-you-wish general admission runs from 3 to 8 pm; confirm the current programme before going.
  • Special exhibitions require a ticket even during free general-admission periods.
  • Check the museum’s current calendar before planning your afternoon around a particular exhibition or event.

Quick tips

  • Decide on hiking after reading the forecast and city trail notices, not before. A museum day is a good plan, not a failed outdoor day.
  • For a gentler desert outing, choose a suitable Papago route instead of assuming Camelback is the obvious first hike.
  • Keep water with you, limit outdoor activity in heat and take cooling breaks.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Phoenix on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Phoenix by season Papago Park trail guide Camelback: Echo Canyon Trailhead Desert Botanical Garden Heard Museum: HOME Musical Instrument Museum Phoenix Art Museum Phoenix trail heat restrictions