My son and I decided to try and visit Papago Park and see the “Hole In The Rock”. Unfortunately, many people had the same idea, and it was jam-packed. We decided to retreat from the area and head to the Hunt’s Tomb. I have known that the tomb of the first governor of Arizona is buried there, but there is more to this, I found out.
A Hidden Pyramid in the Heart of the Desert
If you find yourself driving through the scenic sandstone buttes of Papago Park, you might notice a surprising flash of white gleaming from the top of a prominent hill. While Arizona is famous for its saguaros and red rocks, many visitors are surprised to learn that a miniature Egyptian-style pyramid sits right in the middle of the Valley of the Sun. This striking monument is the final resting place of George W.P. Hunt, the first governor of Arizona, and his family. For the curious traveler or the local history buff, a trek up to Governor Hunt’s Tomb offers much more than a history lesson; it provides one of the most spectacular, unobstructed 360-degree views of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The Life of Arizona’s Eternal Governor
To understand why a pyramid stands in Phoenix, you first have to understand the man behind it. George Wiley Paul Hunt was a larger-than-life figure who dominated Arizona politics during the transition from territory to statehood. Often nicknamed “Old Walrus” due to his impressive mustache and stout stature, Hunt served an unprecedented seven terms as Governor. He was a champion of the commoner, a progressive leader who fought for women’s suffrage nearly a decade before the rest of the nation, and an advocate for prison reform and labor rights.
The inspiration for the tomb’s unique shape came from Hunt’s extensive travels. After serving as the United States Ambassador to Siam (modern-day Thailand) and traveling through Egypt with his beloved wife, Helen, Hunt became enamored of the pyramids’ timelessness. When Helen passed away in 1931, the Governor commissioned the Del E. Webb Construction Company to build a white-tiled pyramid in her honor. Upon his own passing on Christmas Eve in 1934, he joined her inside the structure, where they remain today alongside several other family members.
The Plaque
The plaque beside the pyramid explains who is interned inside the pyramid now. I was surprised there were so many people inside, but they were all his family.
George Wylie Paul Hunt
December 24, 1934
Helen Duett Ellison
April 18, 1931
Wife’s Parents
Jesse Washington Ellison
January 24, 1934
Susan Melvina Smith
February 2, 1929
Wife’s Sister
Susan Helena Lena Ellison
June 14, 1953
Daughter of George and Helen Hunt
Virginia Hunt
April 21, 1985
Second Husband of Virginia Hunt
Willian E. Frund
March 9, 1975
Planning Your Ascent to the Summit
Visiting the tomb is one of the easiest and most rewarding short hikes in the Phoenix area. Located within Papago Park, near the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden, the trailhead is accessible to visitors of almost all fitness levels. You can find the parking area off Galvin Parkway, and from there, a paved path leads you steadily upward toward the monument. Unlike the more strenuous climbs at nearby Camelback Mountain, the walk to the pyramid is gentle enough for a morning stroll or a family outing.
As you make your way up the hill, the urban sounds of the city begin to fade, replaced by the desert breeze and the distant calls of animals from the neighboring zoo. The path winds through the classic Sonoran Desert landscape, offering glimpses of creosote bushes and barrel cacti. Because the trail is relatively short, it is a perfect “secret” spot for those who want to see the beauty of the Valley without dedicating an entire afternoon to a rugged backcountry expedition.
Architecture and the View from the Top
The pyramid itself stands about 20 feet tall, its white tile shimmering under the intense Arizona sun. A wrought-iron fence surrounds the base, protecting the historic plaques that detail the Governor’s many achievements and his lineage. While you cannot go inside the mausoleum, the exterior is a marvel of early 20th-century ambition. In 2009, a major restoration effort saved the tomb from decay, ensuring that the white tiles remained bright and that the pyramid’s structural integrity remained intact for future generations of Arizonans to admire.
The real magic of the site, however, happens when you turn your back on the tomb and look outward. Because the pyramid sits on a natural pedestal, it offers a panoramic view that rivals any observation deck in the city. To the north, you can see the iconic silhouette of Camelback Mountain and the Praying Monk. To the east, the red rocks of Papago Park and the Hole in the Rock formation create a stunning foreground. Looking south and west, the skylines of Tempe and Phoenix rise from the desert floor, framed by the distant peaks of the Estrella and South Mountains. If you time your visit correctly, you can look down into the Phoenix Zoo and occasionally spot giraffes or bighorn sheep wandering their enclosures.
A Perfect Spot for Sunset Chasers
While the tomb is worth a visit at any time of day, seasoned locals know that sunset is when the location truly shines. As the sun dips below the horizon, the pyramid’s white tiles catch the pink and orange hues of the sky, creating a glow that is nothing short of ethereal. The “City of Lights” begins to twinkle below as the desert heat dissipates, making it a peaceful place for reflection or photography. It is far less crowded than the popular Hole in the Rock, offering a quieter atmosphere for those who want to soak in the desert’s majesty in solitude.
Embracing the Spirit of Arizona
Governor Hunt’s Pyramid Tomb stands as a testament to the quirky, bold, and independent spirit that defines Arizona. It is a place where Egyptian inspiration meets Southwestern grit, and where a political giant chose to watch over his “splendid Valley” for eternity. Whether you are coming for the history, the exercise, or the perfect Instagram photo, this white pyramid on the hill serves as a bridge between Arizona’s frontier past and its vibrant urban present. Next time you’re in Phoenix, take 20 minutes to walk in the footsteps of the “Old Walrus” and discover this unique piece of the desert’s heritage.
Governor Hunt’s Tomb
625 N Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
