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| - Papago Park is by far and away my favorite easy-level hike within 15 minutes drive (my criterion for most activities). It is a great retreat for those who are tired of looking at endless cactus and brownness. it is split into three main areas. There is the Lo Piano habitat and canal area which takes up the space north of Tempe Town Lake and the 202 freeway that has a beautiful riparian area (look it up) and well-kept trails through groves of Palo Verde, Oak, and Beech trees.
North of the canal (it's Hohokam and one of the oldest canals in the Valley btw) is the red rock hiking area for which Papago is known best. There are formations that have been carved out by the elements that you can explore, per say, by climbing to the top of one of the largest formations and stand in the window/hole that the park is famous for.
The north side of the park (accessible from Curry), is a regular park with large old trees, picnic areas, a small pond, a playground, and a large dog park area. I do not recommend entering the hiking area from this side (especially with your dog), as there is a lot of broken glass on the hillside (you can see it glimmer in the afternoon sun).
All in all, I would recommend this as a regular hiking spot for anyone living in the south Scottsdale or north Tempe areas.
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