Picacho Peak

Overview

Please check here for updates: https://azstateparks.com/picacho/. This mountain sticks up out of the desert next to I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson. From the base it looks like it can only be done with ropes, as it is flanked with cliffs on all sides. The Hunter trail is the most recommended route up this monolith. It is two miles of grueling work. The trail heads up steeply to a pass then goes down the other side, losing over half the elevation in a short amount of time. The trail then continues back up cut through the rock and there are cables to help you up the mountain. The trail is very steep and you have to find footholds and handholds in the rocks. You cannot get around using the cables; I found them in the way sometimes. You have to use them to pull yourself up the mountain. The other trail, Sunset Vista trail is not recommended. It is 3.1 miles and circles around the backside of the mountain then comes up and connects to the Hunter trail avoiding a lot of the difficulties. From the top it looks like a boring trail. Picacho Peak is a large lava flow. Geologists have no clue what volcano made it. Picacho Peak is where the most western battle took place in the Civil war. For more information click here

Getting There

From Phoenix take I-10 south to Tucson. About an hour outside of Phoenix you will see a sign that says Picacho Peak State Park. The exit number is 219. The park is on the right side of the interstate.

Red Tape

It is in Pacacho Peak State Park and costs $5.00 per vehicle to ener the park. Picacho Peak is open for day use only and closes at sunset.

When To Climb

Winter months. November through march is the best. The summer is way to hot. Casa Grande is the closest city to Picacho Peak. Click here for their weather and a web cam of the city.

Camping

There are about 100 camping spots. First come first serve. There is a picnic area, restrooms and showers. $10 per night with a 15 day limit.

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

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Jeff12633 - Nov 4, 2003 9:41 pm - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

About a mile South on the access road from Picacho State Park is an Ostrich farm where one can feed the ostriches and deer. It's a great stop for kids and anyone who has never seen 500 ostriches before! Cost is about $2 for a large cup of feed.

fedak - Apr 12, 2004 4:39 pm - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

The Hunter trail to the summit is day use only and closes at sunset.

Outdooraholic - Aug 8, 2008 12:45 pm - Hasn't voted

Closed until 10/15/08

Important Information: Due to construction of a new Visitor Center, Picacho Peak State Park is currently closed to all public entry. The park is scheduled to re-open in October 2008. Please check here for updates: http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/picacho.html

Sarah Simon - Apr 15, 2009 5:37 pm - Hasn't voted

Park is now open

Steven, You may wish to update the park closure notice at the beginning of your Overview section. The park is now open and the visitor center construction is complete. "NOTICE Important Information: Due to construction of a new Visitor Center, Picacho Peak State Park is currently closed to all public entry. The park is scheduled to re-open in October 2008." Cheers, Sarah

Steven Cross - Apr 15, 2009 10:23 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Park is now open

Thanks for the info!

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