Hole-in-the-Rock (Papago Park)

In 1892, Charles Poston named and claimed "Hole-in-the-Rock".{{cite web | title=Arizona history-April 10–16 | website=AP NEWS | date=April 6, 2022 | url=https://apnews.com/article/business-arizona-tucson-phoenix-a9b1846f47c91ae27f1ad859810cf3b6 | access-date=August 30, 2022}}

Hole-in-the-Rock is a series of openings (tafoni) eroded in a small hill composed of bare red arkosic conglomeritic sandstone. The sandstone was first formed some 6–15 million years ago from the accumulation of materials eroding from a Precambrian granite, long since eroded away. The tafoni are thought to have been eroded by water. An open, shelter-like chamber in the face of the formation communicates with the rear of the formation via a hole eroded completely through the rock. Another substantial opening exists in the "ceiling" of the chamber.

There is evidence that the Hohokam, early inhabitants of the region,{{cite web | title=The best parks in Phoenix | website=Lonely Planet | date=February 15, 2022 | url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-parks-phoenix | access-date=August 30, 2022}} used and recorded the position of sunlight shining through the latter opening to mark the seasons—notably the equinoxes and the solstices, which were marked by carving a slick area (metate) in the rock. Other positions were marked with boulders.

The formation is a popular attraction in the park. The openings and main chamber near the summit are easily accessible via a smoothly ascending path that passes behind the hill. It is also possible to climb the face of the hill to reach the chamber. While popular, the trail can be dangerous.{{cite web | last=McDaniel | first=Michael | last2=Torres | first2=Miguel | title=Hiker dies from critical injuries after 40-foot fall at Papago Park in Phoenix | website=Arizona Republic | date=February 7, 2021 | url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2021/02/07/man-critical-condition-after-falling-40-feet-hole-in-the-rock-papago-park-phoenix/4424920001/ | access-date=August 30, 2022}} The chamber provides a good view of the city of Phoenix west of the park.{{cite web | last=Lawrence | first=Katie | title=This Family-Friendly Park In Arizona Has A Zoo, Botanical Garden, Hiking Trails, And More | website=OnlyInYourState | date=April 29, 2022 | url=https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arizona/family-friendly-park-az/ | access-date=August 30, 2022}} A nearly constant wind blows through the openings in the rock.

{{Gallery

|title=Different views at Hole-in-the-Rock

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|File:Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park hangout.jpg|Hole-in-the-Rock is a popular natural attraction.

|File:Phoenix-Hole-in-the-Rock-Papago Park.JPG|The Hole-in-the-Rock is one of Phoenix's many landmarks

|File:Phoenix-Hole-in-the-Rock Papgo Park-2.JPG|View from inside the Hole-in-the-Rock, a Phoenix landmark located in Papago Park

|File:View from top of Hole-in-the-Rock in Arizona.jpg|View from the top

|File:Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park sunset.jpg|A group of people watch the sunset at Hole-in-the-Rock.

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• List of historic properties in Phoenix, Arizona

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park Papago Park Facts] – provided by the City of Phoenix
• [http://www.gemland.com/holeinrock.htm Hole-in-the-Rock] – provided by Gemland

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Category:Geography of Phoenix, Arizona

Category:Rock formations of Arizona

Category:Native American history of Arizona

Category:Religious places of the Indigenous peoples of North America

Category:Landforms of Maricopa County, Arizona

Category:Tourist attractions in Maricopa County, Arizona