Just Another Hole in the Rock

Photos by Thomas Schmied

It is hard to imagine that Scottsdale was ever under the ocean, but the Papago Buttes are made of chunks of rock settled into ocean sand, forming this conglomerate perforated with "tifoni" or holes like Swiss cheese.  And these holes are thought to be formed by water.  My how the world has changed in a few million years!  Now, with a short hike up an easy trail from the back, visitors can climb into the hole for great views of the valley of the sun.  Nearby is the Phoenix Zoo, with palm trees and lagoons, and downtown, you can see the city skyline of Phoenix.  If you are lucky, you can wait out the crowds, and enjoy some quiet time to yourself, as most people only stay five minutes.  Though you probably won't be alone, Hole in the Rock is the perfect place to watch an Arizona sunset.