Double Butte Loop Trail

About Double Butte Loop Trail

The Double Butte Loop is Papago Park's best walking trail and offers a relaxed, scenic loop around two of the park's signature red sandstone buttes. This is the trail you recommend to friends visiting Phoenix who want to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert without any of the intensity that defines most Valley hikes. It is flat, well-maintained, and surrounded by some of the most photogenic geology in the metro area.

The loop circles around the two large buttes that give the trail its name. These sandstone formations rise several hundred feet above the desert floor and display beautiful layers of red, orange, and tan sedimentary rock. The conglomerate sandstone contains rounded pebbles and cobbles cemented together, and you can see these textures clearly from the trail.

The buttes are particularly stunning in the warm light of early morning or late afternoon when the colors intensify. Starting from the Papago Park parking area near the ramadas and picnic tables, the trail heads south and then curves around the western butte. The surface is mostly packed dirt and decomposed granite, flat enough for jogging strollers and wheelchairs in most sections.

The path passes through typical lowland desert with creosote, palo verde, and scattered saguaros. During winter and spring, the area around the buttes can produce surprising wildflower displays after good rains. As you round the southern side of the loop, you get nice views of the surrounding area, including glimpses of Camelback Mountain to the northeast and the Phoenix skyline to the west.

The trail weaves between the two buttes, offering different perspectives of their layered rock faces. Several informal side paths lead to the bases of the formations where you can get a closer look at the geology. The trail is popular with dog walkers, families with young children, joggers, and people simply looking for a pleasant outdoor stroll.

On weekend mornings, it has a community feel with regular walkers greeting each other along the route. It is one of the few trails in the Phoenix area where the focus is purely on enjoyment rather than fitness. Practical information: parking is free and available in several lots throughout Papago Park.

Restrooms are available near the ramadas. The trail is open from dawn to dusk. Because of the low elevation gain, this loop stays accessible even in summer for early morning outings, though you will want to finish before the heat builds.

Combine it with a visit to Hole in the Rock, which is just a short walk from the trail, for a full Papago Park morning. The Desert Botanical Garden is also adjacent to the park and makes for a wonderful addition to a day exploring this area. This is entry-level desert hiking at its finest.

Best Time to Hike

Best Season: Year-round

For the most comfortable experience on Double Butte Loop Trail, plan your hike during the recommended season. In the warmer months, start early in the morning to avoid peak heat, especially on exposed desert trails. Always check current weather conditions and trail status before heading out.