Dating in Papago Park area
In shortPapago Park sits on the Tempe and Phoenix line, with red rock buttes and easy desert trails. It is close to town but feels a long way from Mill Avenue. It suits a short walk and a long talk.
A first date idea
Sunset at Hole-in-the-Rock
The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail is about 0.2 miles and takes 5 to 10 minutes, starting from the Phoenix Zoo parking lot. It gets busy at sunset, so arrive early. If you want more, the easy 2.3 mile Double Butte Loop is nearby.
Source: Tempe Tourism: Take a hike in Tempe, checked 9 November 2026
Watch the sunset through Hole-in-the-Rock.
For more ideas, read dating in Tempe in the summer heat or light rail date nights.
