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Hiking in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona

Hiking Lady headed up to see "Hole in the Rock" at Papago Park
Hiking Lady headed up to see “Hole in the Rock” at Papago Park

Venturing out of Southern California with Hiking Baby in tow, we went to Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, and explored some baby carrier and stroller friendly hikes/walks.

Luckily the weather was still cool in Arizona (~50-65 degrees were the daytime highs in late February), and due to the dry climate we drank lots of water while out on our adventures to avoid dehydration.

Do you have some favorite easy hikes in the Phoenix area that you’d recommend? Please share your comments below, and read on to hear about the two highlights of our trip.

Papago Park

Papago Park is a wonderful place to enjoy some easy hiking in Phoenix and Scottsdale, with lots of paved areas and well maintained dirt trails. There are 1200 acres of park and recreation areas, and it is so vast that it lies in three cities: Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. As seen in the pictures, there is a beautiful mountain “hole” formed by millions of years of water erosion, known as “Hole in the Rock”. Following a very short hike up the back of the rock formation, you can gaze through the “hole” and enjoy spectacular views of downtown Phoenix, as well as the peaceful duck ponds at Papago Park. Moreover, there is major archaeological significance because the ancient Hohokam Indians marked areas in the “hole” to track the equinoxes.

How to get there:
Papago Park, Hole in the Rock.
625 N Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Parking is free.

“Hole in the Rock” at Papago Park
Ouch!
Beginning of the short hike up to “Hole in the Rock”
Papago Park
View of the ponds at Papago Park from “Hole in the Rock”
Saguaro Cacti
View of downtown Phoenix from Papago Park
Duck enjoying the ponds at Papago Park
Relaxing
Waterfowl at Papago Park

Fairmont Princess – Hotel Gardens

If you’re in the mood for a relaxing walk through beautiful grounds, then you’ll want to stop into the Fairmont Princess Hotel, and check out the lushly landscaped gardens. The best part…it’s free!

Hiking Baby enjoying the gardens at the Fairmont Princess
Quite a relaxing view
Ducks feeding.

How to get there:
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E Princess Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Parking is free (if you park your car yourself and skip Valet).

Happy trails!

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