Thanksgiving Day Pilgrims' Walk
Easy 5K walk & Hole in the Rock Option
November 27, 2025  ·  Papago Park Ponds
7:45 AM - 9:15 AM (MT)
Calling all Pilgrims to Papago Park!!!

Let's gather with fellow pilgrims to give thanks for the blessings of a pilgrimage. We have so much to be thankful for, which becomes even more evident after walking a pilgrimage. Traditionally this day of thanks is about a different type of pilgrim but why not turn it into a reason to gather our own pilgrims? Is there a better reason to give thanks than for the opportunity to have experienced the Camino de Santiago?

Meet at 7:45 and leave at 8:00AM
Hike leader: Tina Strickler 

This is an easy 5K walk that is suitable for fit friends and family. We will start by the ponds and walk along the smooth and flat Crosscut Canal. If we are lucky we will see some big horn sheep from the zoo. We will return the way we came. The pace will be leisurely but it is long enough to feel good about indulging later in the day.

Anyone interested can do the nearby Hole in the Rock - a must do in the Valley for any resident of visitor.  Hole in the Rock is accessed by uneven terrain with some step ups and steps down and definitely warrants caution (no young children).

No registration fee for this Turkey walk (no t-shirt either) although your cash donations to support chapter activities are always appreciated.  
LOCATION
Papago Park Ponds, 625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Map
Location: Papago Park Ponds, 625 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
About Your Hike Leader
About Your Hike Leader

Tina completed the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port in Spring of 2018 and in May 2025 she walked her favorite 100KM with her family (mom @ 80, aunt & cousin). She has experience using Camino Ways to handle logistics and baggage transfers, as well as planning it herself (baggage transfer for her mom). She carried her pack and took her time with the family Camino. She also has experience biking the Meseta (2018). She is currently one of the coordinators for the chapter. If you have questions about this event, contact Tina at 602.722.0612.

What to Bring

Water

Your own first aid kit

Cash if contributing to the chapter's Donativo jar

Facilities

There are not bathrooms or water at the start.

There are public bathrooms (prison toilets in City of Phoenix parks) a short distance from the parking lot.

If you need a restroom before the hike consider Starbucks on Priest & Elliott.

Guidelines

Please stay home if you are feeling sick.

Call or text your hike leader Tina 602.722.0612 if you are unable to make it or are running late.

No dogs allowed due to chapter liability. 

We will share the trail with other hikers and mountain bikers so despite our engaging conversations we will be aware of our surroundings and courteous by stepping off the trail or walking single file when necessary. 

Reminders: Our chapter activities are led by volunteers. Donativo contributions (cash only) are greatly appreciated and are used to support future activities. Look for the orange donativo jar by the signup at the beginning of each hike. 

We always gather in the spirit of the Camino; therefore the hike leader will maintain awareness of the pace of the group, and will stop periodically at trail intersections to allow all participants to catch up. Hikers/walkers are differently abled and will not finish at the same time. There will be a sweep for larger groups and no hiker will be abandoned. Please review the trail description before signing up to be sure the hike is right for you and your abilities. 

Directions
Directions

PAPAGO PARK

PARK NEAR RAMADA 11 - Next to the 2nd POND

Turn into Papago Park

Take the immediate LEFT following signs toward Hole in the Rock

Continue over speed bumps toward Hunts Tomb

Stay STRAIGHT - BEYOND the signs for Hole in the Rock (DO NOT TURN INTO THIS PARKING LOT)

BEYOND the sign for Ramada 9 & 10

RAMADA 11 is IMMEDIATELY AFTER and VEERING RIGHT after Ramada 9 & 10