picacho peak state park

My wife and I were driving from Tucson to Phoenix and stopped about halfway at this State Park. $7 dollars for a day pass. We stopped at the visitor center for a map and a conversation regarding the different hiking trails. The ranger was very helpful. This park is located in the desert but right next to a tall rock out cropping. You can see it for miles before you come to it. We ended up hiking the Sunset Trail. You take the main road all the way to the end. Pretty much around to the far side of the mountain. Away from the highway passing by. We took our water and started our hike. The trail is very rocky much of the way. Steeper in the beginning but then it levels off and is not to difficult. We are in our early 50's and had no problems. There were others much older than us taking this trail as well. The really hard part is near the end of the trail when you need to take steel ropes as you steeply climb the remaining part of the trail to top of mountain. We did not take the trail that far. We took it 1 1/2 into trail. Had a small lunch, and walked back. 3 hours total. Lots of cactus and many blooming plants. Many birds calls as well. Loved the hike. Glad temps were in the upper 60's when we started. Didn't get hot at all. Highly recommend this hike.

As an AZ native - we've passed Picacho Peak State Park numerous times on our way to Tucson and beyond... but never took the time to stop. Maybe it was on our bucket list to go wildflower sightseeing (or maybe I needed an Eegees fix) but we took advantage of the most awesome weather today to do both. Fab day trip!!!

I couldn't have asked for a better hike. We took the long hike along the valley floor then hit the ascent to the top. Lots of switch backs and steel cables to help you get up the trail. There were about six of these areas, but we finally made it to the top in 2.5 hrs. The view was great and the descent was easier. Needless to say I was not in the best shape and still feel the pain two days later. I will definitely do this again when I visit next year.

February 26, 20151. Make no mistake, this is a tough hike because of the steep surfaces.2. Forget the stair-stepper; build up your arms. You use them a lot to pull you up the cables.3. Don't wear shorts. It's too easy to skin your shins and bang your knees against the rocks.4. Bring gloves to better grip the cable.5. Wear high-top shoes to keep pebbles from getting in.6. Pay attention. The trail is not marked well in all places, especially going down.7. It takes just as long to go up, as it does to go down.8. Don't expect anything at the top: no marker, no sign-in book.9: Note: at one point on the way up, you have to descend about 200 feet. Just keep going.10. A great sense of accomplishment when you reach the top. Terrific views.

Many people have probably fantasized about what it's like to do some mountain climbing on a steep, craggy peak, but unless you have climbing friends or hire a teacher to train you in how to do it, it's pretty difficult to (safely) break into this sport. Southern Arizona has a nifty peak that can give you a real taste of what it's like to scale a 70-degree rock face, yet you can do it in about three hours time with minimal risk to life and limb. The place to go is Picacho Peak state park about 70 miles south of Phoenix.The peak is right beside I-10, so access is simple. Take exit 219 off I-10 and drive half a mile south and west from the exit toward the big, prominent peak. You need to pay a modest entrance fee as you enter the state park; once you've paid that you can drive the very short distance from the entrance station to the Barrett loop road and follow that a short distance to a parking lot where the Hunter Trail starts you on the Picacho climb.The first half of the trail takes about 40 minutes and is a steady uphill hike to a pass on the northwest side of the peak. From the pass, the real climbing starts, but the beauty of this trail is that steel anchors and cables are embedded in the rock to give you something solid to hold onto so you can safely travel along steep rock slopes that would be challenging without the cables. You get the sense of exposure to a dangerous fall, but the risk is quite low. It's not a good place for someone with vertigo or extreme fear of heights, but a normal person can do it.Bring gloves so you don't get blisters from sliding your hands along the steel cables, especially if the weather is hot and the sun has been shining on the steel all day. The route to the summit is steep and airy in places, but if you're careful, there's not much risk of a fall. There were children climbing successfully the day I climbed Picacho. It is a strenuous effort, however, so you shouldn't attempt this if you get winded climbing the stairs in your house. The view from the summit is superb. It's about 80 minutes up and 80 more minutes back down for a person like me (65 years old, good fitness), so allow yourself about three hours for the round trip. Take some snacks and water along so you don't run out of "fuel" on this glorious climb.

This was a beautiful stop to see the beginnings of spring on the desert. Even though it was February, the foliage and grounds were gorgeous. The paths are well marked and we were able to walk them at our leisure. This is well worth the time to stop and just take a short hike.

We stopped here on our way to Tombstone from Scottsdale to take a break and walk the trails. We walked less than a mile or so up one of the trails and were able to get some nice views and see the yellow poppies blooming. it was cooler when we started but heated up pretty quick. Trails are rocky. There is an easier trail that we walked as well. There's a small gift shop with restrooms and water available. Rangers are available for questions. There is also a camping area there. It is right off the highway and easily accessible. Nice place to stop. Most of the trails are for more experience hikers, but you don't have to walk far to see the poppies.

We visited in January and sky was overcast. Next two days were rainy, but what a gorgeous park! We stayed at the campground there in a motorhome and had only electric hookups, but that was enough. We got TV reception from Phoenix with just the antenna. Had to do laundry which was about 25 miles away in N Tucson. Not much there, but it was beautiful. Going to try to post a pic.

The beauty of the desert surrounds the large, level campsites. Camp hosts are very helpful. Immaculate tile shower houses and restrooms. sunset trail is a beautiful desert hike and if you choose you can connect to Hunter Trail and climb to the top of Picacho Peak for Panasonic views but leather gloves are essential for the cables needed for parts of the last mile climb. Negatives of this park for camping is that although they advertise wifi available the for pay third party provider has too narrow bandwidth making connection almost impossible and they do not give full refunds. Also even though the campground is at least a half mile from the interstate there is some noise from the traffic and trains although not obnoxious.

After reading hike reviews on various sites, we weren't sure whether to be eager or terrified of the Hunter Trail. A combination of the two would be appropriate. We were well prepared with water, hiking boots and gloves, and had read a lot about the features of the trail. Difficult and harrowing? Yes. Rewarding and satisfying? Also yes. Don't undertake this hike casually, or you will be completely stunned once you are just past the saddle. Prep properly and you will accomplish a crazy hike with thrilling moments and personal challenges.

We stopped at the state park driving on our way to Tucson. The mountains are so majestic... We were lucky that it has been raining so there was a lot of green. The saguaro cacti are big and beautiful. They have many hiking trails suited to all abilities and ages. Facilities are very clean and you can camp or picnic.

So I will agree with other travelers, that if you go, you have to take the Hunter Trail which is was leads you to the top of Picacho Peak. The first mile, while most of the way uphill, is difficult but not too bad. Once you reach the Saddle the views of the surrounding desert are incredible. Now the second half of the trail is when it becomes very difficult and for most of it you have to be careful about how you step because it would be very easy to twist or break an ankle if you are not paying attention. However, the views on the other side of the mountain are so very worth it and the view from the top even more so. Keep in mind though this trail is very difficult and not for everyone as there are portions near the top where you need to be able to pull yourself up even using the cables. I would not suggest to take this hike when it gets a bit warmer as you could find yourself in trouble. But if you are looking for a challenge with great rewards for completing it, this is a hike for you.

If you're looking for an simple walk up the side of a mountain, the first half of the Hunter Trail is sufficient for you. Take it to the saddle and enjoy the views. If you want to continue to the peak, be prepared to work! Listen to the warnings, this hike is difficult and calls for a decent fitness level to complete. There are cables that you'll use to pull yourself up the rock faces, it's about as close to rock climbing without the carabiners as I imagine you can get. This 'hike' has many sections of 'via ferrata' work which is hiking using cables preset into the rock so that you aren't trying to scramble up difficult rock faces unassisted. They also prevent you from slipping off to a rocky and cactus filled landing. I loved every part of this though I failed to research it ahead of time and therefore didn't realize what I was getting into! Definitely take plenty of snacks and at least 2-3 liters of water with you. I also suggest good shoes to prevent slipping on the steep rocky faces. Gloves will be helpful if you have tender hands that will get blistered using the cables. Make sure they fit well and have a good non-slip surface on the palms. Finally, bring a friend and a camera! The views are amazing at the top and along the way! I can't wait for my thighs to quit burning so that I can go do this again! Happy hiking! Don't forget that going down is just as challenging as going up!

For a great hike with a variety of levels, this Peak sticks out of the landscape for many miles, and is well known, and very busy. Lower level trails are relatively easy hiking, but still need to be able to walk and climb modest hills. For the big hike to Picacho peak, you need to be in pretty good shape, agile, and Not afraid of heights. Some of the climbs are pretty...challenging. At least make the climb up to the bottom of the rock-face if you are able, as you still get a pretty good vista.

There should be a badge for climbing this peak. My wife and I were up and down in less than four hours, but, what a hike! Pay attention to the warning signs. I.e., water, good hiking shoes and that it is difficult. If you are afraid of heights, don't go past the Saddle. Beyond that is an experience which tests you physically and mentally, but rewards you at every climb.