Phoenix Zoo
Four major trails, Arizona species, elephants, primates, children’s areas, and conservation work fill a large outdoor zoo beside red sandstone buttes.
Artwork inspired by Dyana Hesson
The Arizona Trail is the most locally distinctive section, connecting native species with desert conservation. Africa, Tropics, and Children’s trails broaden the collection, while keeper talks reveal behavior and welfare beyond what is visible in a quick enclosure pass.
This is a large outdoor campus. Use the map to prioritize two trails, see active animals early, and leave indoor or shaded areas for midday. Evening lantern events are separate experiences and may not include normal animal viewing.
- Opened
- 1962
- Setting
- Papago Park
- Allow
- 3–5 hours
Quick guide
- Interpretive pair
- Arizona Trail ↔ Orangutan habitat
- Closing move
- Elephant exhibit
Four deliberate moves through Phoenix Zoo
- Start Arizona
- Ground the visit in local habitats.
- Check talks
- Build the route around keeper programs.
- Choose two
- Avoid exhausting every trail in heat.
- Separate events
- Night lights are not a standard zoo visit.
Good to know
Shade does not eliminate heat, and splash areas do not replace hydration. General admission, rides, encounters, and evening events can be separate purchases.
Notice these
- Arizona Trail
- Orangutan habitat
- Elephant exhibit