Papago Park Tours & Tickets

Papago Park Tours & Tickets

Discover the iconic red rock buttes, world-class attractions, and stunning desert landscapes of Phoenix's urban oasis. Secure your tickets to the Zoo and Botanical Garden today!

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Varies by attraction (2-4 hours)
1 Languages
Individuals and groups welcome
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Your Gateway to Phoenix's Premier Urban Oasis

Papago Park is a sprawling desert playground nestled between Phoenix and Tempe, renowned for its striking red sandstone buttes, extensive trail systems, and world-class attractions. It's more than just a park; it's a hub of recreation, education, and natural beauty. By pre-booking tickets through our platform, you can seamlessly access its most popular destinations, the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden, avoiding long lines and ensuring your spot. Whether you're hiking to the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock for sunset, exploring diverse global ecosystems at the Zoo, or marveling at the unique flora of the Sonoran Desert, planning your visit in advance guarantees a smooth and enriching experience.

Why Book Your Papago Park Experience With Us?

Top-Tier Attraction Partners

We provide access to official tickets for premier Papago Park destinations like the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, sourced directly from verified providers.

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Secure & Simple Booking

Our streamlined booking process is powered by world-class, secure technology. Your payment information is encrypted and your tickets are delivered instantly to your email.

Flexible Planning

Plans change. That's why we offer options with free cancellation and 'book now, pay later' features on many Papago Park tickets, giving you peace of mind.

Instant Confirmation & E-Tickets

Skip the ticket queues. Receive your e-tickets instantly after booking. Simply show the QR code on your phone for easy entry to the Zoo or Botanical Garden.

Spend a memorable day at Phoenix Zoo
Experience different animal encounters and playgrounds spread throughout the zoo
See Orangutans, Sumatran Tigers, Komodo Dragons, Giraffes, Lions, Leopards and more
Now open- Big Cats of Arizona
Learn about the threats that endanger many of the species and wildlife you encounter

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Park Essentials
Park entry is free
Attractions require tickets
Limited shade on trails
Bring ample water
Attraction Logistics
Zoo & Garden open daily
Timed-entry may be required
Allow 3-4 hours per attraction
Check for special events or closures
Visitor Conduct
Stay on designated trails
Do not climb on fragile rock formations
Pack out all trash
Respect wildlife

Not Allowed

Pets
Weapons or sharp objects
Smoking
Intoxication
Vaping
Fishing
Bikes
Alcohol and drugs
Glass objects
Flashlight
Skateboards
Scooter
Firework
Skates
Touching animals
Making fire
Nudity
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • • Book tickets for the Zoo and Botanical Garden online at least a day in advance to secure your spot, especially for weekend visits.
  • • Check for special events at the Desert Botanical Garden, like concerts or art installations, which may require separate tickets.
  • • If visiting both the Zoo and Garden, plan them for separate days or a very long full day to avoid fatigue.
  • • Look for bundled deals if available on our partner sites.

What to Bring

  • • Reusable Water Bottle (Essential!)
  • • Sunscreen
  • • Sunglasses
  • • Sun Hat or Visor
  • • Comfortable Walking Shoes
  • • Lightweight Camera
  • • Snacks
  • • Portable Phone Charger

Best Seasons to Visit

October through May offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the park. Spring (March-April) is particularly beautiful as the desert comes alive with wildflowers and blooming cacti. Winter (December-February) features sunny, mild days perfect for hiking.

What to Wear

Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best year-round.|In summer, opt for light-colored clothing to reflect the sun.|A light jacket is recommended for winter mornings and evenings (December-February).|Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for hiking the trails.

Planning

Historical Context

Papago Park has a rich history, serving as a reservation for indigenous peoples, a POW camp during WWII, a VA hospital, and the state fish hatchery before becoming the municipal park it is today. Its iconic buttes were formed 6-15 million years ago. The distinctive Hole-in-the-Rock was used by the ancient Hohokam people to track the seasons.

Photography Tips

  • • Sunset at Hole-in-the-Rock is the classic shot; use a wide-angle lens.
  • • For wildlife at the Zoo, a telephoto lens (200mm or more) is highly recommended.
  • • The Desert Botanical Garden is a macro photographer's paradise, especially during the spring bloom.
  • • Use a polarizing filter to deepen the blue of the Arizona sky and reduce glare on the red rocks.

Insider Tips

  • • The best time to visit Hole-in-the-Rock for photos is at sunset, but it gets crowded. For a quieter experience with great light, go at sunrise.
  • • The Phoenix Zoo has a splash pad area, perfect for kids to cool off in the warmer months.
  • • Parking is free but lots for Hole-in-the-Rock and the Zoo can fill up quickly on weekends. Arrive early.
  • • The trail around the main buttes (the Papago Park Butte Loop) is an easy 2.3-mile walk with great views and fewer people.

Our Partners

  • • We are proud to connect travelers with world-class attractions and experiences by partnering with leading booking platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator. This ensures you have access to a wide selection of verified options with secure booking and reliable customer support.

Social Media

Share your experience: #PapagoPark #PhoenixZoo #DesertBotanicalGarden #HoleintheRock #VisitPhoenix #ExploreAZ

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

A
Anja Schmidt
Germany • 2024-03-22

Stunning Sunset and Easy Booking

Booking tickets for the Desert Botanical Garden through this site was so simple. We went in the late afternoon and then walked over to Hole-in-the-Rock for the most incredible sunset I have ever seen. The garden was magical with all the spring blooms. A must-do in Phoenix!

C
Carlos Ramirez
Mexico • 2024-02-15

Perfect Family Day at the Zoo

We got our Phoenix Zoo tickets here and it saved us time at the entrance. The process was smooth. The zoo is wonderful, very clean with lots of space for the animals. Our kids loved the monkey village and the Arizona Trail section. Papago Park is beautiful for a walk afterwards.

B
Ben Carter
United Kingdom • 2023-11-10

A Beautiful Desert Oasis

Used the platform to book tickets to the botanical gardens. Impressive collection and the Chihuly glass art was a fantastic bonus. The park itself is lovely for a stroll. Only reason for 4 stars is the Hole-in-the-Rock was very crowded at sunset, but still worth seeing.

S
Sophie Dubois
France • 2024-04-05

Effortless and Beautiful

I was hesitant about the desert heat, but visiting in April was perfect. Booked my garden ticket online in minutes. The variety of cacti is unbelievable. It's an art museum and a garden in one. I spent four hours there and could have stayed longer. Highly recommend!

K
Kenji Tanaka
Japan • 2024-01-20

Peaceful and Well-Maintained

A very peaceful experience. We visited the Japanese Friendship Garden nearby and then came to Papago Park. The trails are easy to walk. We bought zoo tickets on our phone while in the park and went right in. Very efficient. The animals seem well-cared for and the habitats are impressive.

I
Isabella Rossi
Italy • 2024-03-28

Great Views, A Bit Crowded

The view from Hole-in-the-Rock is as good as the pictures! A truly unique formation. We hiked some of the trails which were quiet and offered great views of the red rocks. We didn't go to the zoo, but the park itself is worth a visit. It was quite busy on a spring weekend, so be prepared for that.

L
Liam Murphy
Ireland • 2023-12-05

A Winter Sunshine Escape

Came to Phoenix to escape the Irish winter and Papago Park was a highlight. We booked tickets for the Zoo and had a brilliant day. The weather was perfect, sunny and mild. The park is very accessible and easy to navigate. Booking was straightforward and we got the tickets on our email instantly.

O
Olivia Chen
Canada • 2024-04-12

Botanical Garden is World-Class

I'm a huge garden enthusiast and the Desert Botanical Garden is one of the best I've seen. Booking was easy. The sheer scale and beauty of the cacti and succulents against the red buttes is breathtaking. The ticket price is absolutely worth it for the quality of this attraction.

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