5K Fitness Trail

The 5K Fitness Trail at Papago Park is a great way to get outdoors and get a workout in while experiencing the outdoors. The 5K fitness trail encompasses the western portion of the park and circles the municipal golf course that is located within the park. Hikers can go in either direction to complete the loop, however the park recommends counter clockwise. The hike starts out relatively flat and passes by several different public workout stations such as a pull up bar. The hike is mostly crushed gravel and as hikers continue past the workout station they pass the Little Butte on the left. The trail turns to the west just shy of reaching the Big Butte. If hikers so chose they can take the trail around the butte or they can scramble up it for a short distance. Once hikers pass the butte, hikers will stay right at the Elliot Ramada trail turnoff and head towards the entrance of the golf course. From this point hikers will be on the remnants of a paved road until they pass the golf course. The loops will start to veer to the south and will hug the west side of the golf course. There is a brief section of trail that weaves through trees that is the only portion of trail with shade. As the course continues back to the east hikers should be aware that there are several designated trails that are intertwined as well as other footpaths. Hikers should be on the lookout for the 5k Fitness Loop trail markers to guide them back to the trailhead. The trail tumms back to the north to finish the loop. This hike is a great way to see the west side of Papago Park with options to explore the buttes and enjoy the scenery.