We must have passed by it a thousand times over the years going back and forth between Tucson and Phoenix. MAP: paper map available at the Visitor Center PERMITS: park entrance fee is $7 per vehicle, $3 on foot or bicycle HOURS OF OPERATION: park gates are open from 5am through 10pm DESIGNATION: Picacho Peak State Park (Arizona) Before venturing out on a hike, stay safe with my suggestions for safe hiking: Simple and Safe Hiking Practices for Every Hiker Little can grow natuarally in this arid land where the Colorado River struggles to avoid complete evaporation before entering Mexico and the Sea of Cortez. trailhead: 15520 picacho peak rd, picacho • difficulty: difficult • distance: 2 miles (4 miles rt) • approx. During hotter times of year and towards the middle of the day, the heat can make the trek up pretty brutal. These two facts make it a very popular trail on weekends. Picacho Peak is open for day use only and closes at sunset. If you’re like me, you have probably passed Picacho Peak State Park several times, and thought about hiking to the top “someday.” Well congrats on finally turning “someday” to now! It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. The mountain has been used as landmark for travelers for centuries. And Kleenex. With a unique look and massive size, its presence is hard to ignore. For the last day of January 2010, Nolan decided we should hike to the top of Picacho Peak. This was by far the most technical hike we have attempted to date and the payoff was pretty magnificent! 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141, USA, Create an itinerary including Picacho Peak State Park. People made note of the peak as far back as the Anza Expedition in the 1700s. Hike Summary. However, the ~1.5 hour drive between Phoenix and the state park has been a bit of a deterrent for me. Description of the trail from a web-site: The trail to the… Picacho Peak is a prominent 3,374-foot peak along I-10 in southern Arizona. 4) The Views Aren’t Limited to the I-10 Flickr User Jim Loftus. Picacho Peak features five different trails ranging in length from .2 to 3.1 miles. Winter months. 3) Picacho Peak Has Been Enjoyed by Europeans For a Long Time flickr User Matthew Dillon. We did not bring gloves but wish we had by time we were finished. This spring I … ... gatorade, and snacks. More about Picacho Peak: Picacho means “Big Peak” in Spanish, which I didn’t know… and the summit rises to 3,374 feet (1,028 m) above mean sea level. Picacho Peak, halfway between Tucson and Phoenix, is one of the best short hikes in the state of Arizona, and with the weather still cool and wildflowers in bloom, now is the time to get out there. Despite growing up an hour away from Picacho Peak and even attending a civil war battle reenactment in the park, I never once climbed to the top. Although most of the recreational use occurs on the peak, there are also large canyons and mesa tops to explore. Picacho Peak State Park / Picacho, Arizona While staying in Casa Grande, Arizona I was in search of a good hike and decided to explore Picacho Peak State Park. We began our hike at the Hunter Trailhead. This is a unique trail with cables and handrails placed by the Boy scouts long ago. The view from the peak seems almost other worldly. It's right along I-10 south of Casa Grande and we've passed by it dozens of time. Summit Elevation: 3370 ft. Hiker's tip: Bring gloves. Participant Limit: 12 The descent was closer to 60 minutes--but you'll want to build in time to soak up the peak. This area is also the setting of the only Civil War battle fought in Arizona. The reason why this varies so much is because on a busy day you will more than likely have to wait for other hikers to climb up before you can so there might be … The park is located between Casa Grande and Tucson near Interstate 10 in Pinal County. Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail. The shortest hikes are also the easiest, but they still have plenty of redeeming qualities like overlooks and interpretive signs. Picacho Peak is a familiar landmark to anyone who drives Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. Site design by Jennifer Mead Creative, hiked to the halfway point back shortly after Emma’s seventh birthday. This hike is within the boundaries of Picacho Peak State Park. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. The land In the far southeastern corner of California, near the town of Yuma is one of the starkest desert landscapes in the world. The distance to the top is 2.7 miles with an increase in elevation of 2,014. November through march is the best. December, kids, outdoors, relaxing, wildlife, popular & hidden gems, 5 days in Grand Canyon National Park & Red Rock, 8 days in Grand Canyon National Park & Red Rock, November, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, wildlife, popular sights, February, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems, http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/index.html, FAQ for Attractions & Businesses Listed on Inspirock. Casa Grande is the closest city to Picacho Peak. Date of experience: December 2013 Ask kraayzizou about Picacho Peak State Park Stats are to the peak, including the Sunset Trail segment. The summer is way to hot. Picacho Peak rises 1500 feet above an otherwise flat area of the Sonoran Desert creating an extraordinary 360 degree panorama. Click here for their weather and a web cam of the city. This 1.5 mile hike to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains. Address: 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85241. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. The hike to the summit was 80 minutes which included my breaks for photos, drinks, etc. This trail is well marked and located between the Tucson and Phoenix areas. We paid the $7 State Park admission and parked a short distance from the visitor center near some bathrooms, strategically so they were close-by after our 6.6-mile loop hike. It’s also a great place to stop for a hike — one that will test your fear of heights and make you weak in the knees. View fullsize. The relatively short, 6.2-mile (10 km) distance took four hours to complete. It then has areas where you use cables to navigate the trail. Last Saturday, we took the exit off I-10 and conquered Picacho Peak. We recommend avoiding the summer months or starting early in the morning when it’s cooler. For more information about Picacho Peak, check out azstateparks.com. You can hike all the way to the top! Finally, one decade after moving out of Arizona, I've summited the peak on one of the most fun hikes I've ever done. The average time taken to climb Picacho peak is two and a half to four hours as a round trip. A challenging 3.2 mile hike where you hike up, then descend quite a distance, and ascend back up plus more. What turned out to make this park entirely worth the stay was the hike to the summit of Picacho Peak. calories burned: 680-760 rt • best time of year: oct. Fees: $7 per vehicle fee (1-4 adults). This is one of two trails in Picacho Peak State Park that takes you to the peak and it is a must do in spring due to the abundance of wildflowers. To be honest, I didn’t hike Picacho Peak until after I had graduated from college and was preparing to move to the East Coast. Time: 3-4 hours. It’s almost vertical in places, and cables are installed to help you hoist yourself up. Hours: Park is open 5AM – 10PM daily. Most people visit Picacho Peak State Park to hike one of the five available trails - or to camp overnight when the weather is nice. Unable to display map at this time. The most popular route, the Hunter Trail, takes you to the top of the mountain. Full service campground on site, additional fee (per night) is required. Meeting Location: Fairacres Post Office, 3800 W Picacho Ave. Picacho Peak State Park is approximately 30 minutes south of Casa Grande, located on the west side of I … Its centerpiece spire is visible from downtown Tucson, a distance of 45 miles (72 km). However, we enjoyed the couple bonding therapy of it all… Enjoy! It is also an inactive volcano and some historical battles were fought here as well. Hike up Picacho Peak near Tucson, Arizona. There are two trails out of the parking area, so make sure you start on the one that goes right and up towards the peak. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from September until May. Sticking up out of this flat desert are majestic rock monoliths that began as volcanic plugs and have been carved into wonderful shapes by the endless er… The descent off Picacho Peak is a little rough and rocky (Photo: Megan Kopp) Following the road and the trail just off the road back to our truck, we made a complete the circuit. That was perhaps not the best choice for a steep rocky climb that offers very little shade. Hike ... Hunter trail goes up the front of Picacho Peak to the saddle. Please try again later. Whether you are coming from the Phoenix or Tucson area, there is clear signage directing to the Park's entrance making for easy navigation. When To Climb. Hike to Picacho Peak The first and only time I hiked Picacho Peak, that impossibly towering mountain alongside I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix, I did it with Brett on a 100-degree day . Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail is a 3.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Picacho, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Picacho Peak State Park hard (367) Length: 5.4 mi • Est. The peak and the land around it is a state park. Picacho Peak is one of those mountains you just have to hike! The summit rises to 3,374 feet (1,028 m) above mean sea level. This hike provides exceptional 360-degree views of the valleys surrounding the peak as well as many other significant mountain peaks and ranges in the area. time: 2.5-3.5 hours • elevation gain: 1,785 feet (128 stories) • approx. Picacho Peak Sunset Vista Trail: 32.636917, -111.412611 Safety The hikes to Picacho Peak are not long, but they are strenuous, and if you allow yourself to become lightheaded due to dehydration or for other reasons, it can be dangerous in the steeper areas. There is a very obvious sign next to the correct trail that says “Hunter Trail To the Top of the Peak”. This is the easier of the two peak hikes. a classic southern Arizona hike up the Hunter Trail and down the Sunset Vista Trail via the cables on Picacho Peak. It depends on the time of day or night, the season, and the amount of people at the park. Sunset Vista Trail takes you on a pleasant and colorful 3.1 miles on the south side of Picacho to the peak. For a couple of Coloradans who are used to hiking trails with elevation gain and exposure, this adrenaline-pumping hike was an unexpected gem in the middle of the Arizona desert. There's a small fee to enter the Picacho Peak State Park (as of April 2009, the fee was $6). 5) It’s a Fairly Challenging Hike Though It is in Pacacho Peak State Park and costs $5.00 per vehicle to ener the park. Picacho Peak Trail Guide. Date and Time: September 22, 9 AM – 12:30 PM. The hike up Picacho Peak on Hunter Trail is short but rated as difficult. Overview Between Phoenix and Tucson lies this mysterious peak jutting out of the desert. What animals will I see at Picacho Peak State Park? On Friday, January 4, 2019, while staying at Picacho Peak State Park we climbed to the top of the famous Picacho Peak. From the start, we ascended somewhat steeply up the rocky trail. Picacho Peak is a premiere destination for anyone traveling down I-10. Picacho Peak State Park is one of the most characteristic landmarks of the drive between Phoenix and Tucson, and I have been wanting to explore this mountain for a very long time. 3 h 16 m This hike contains a cable climb approximately 2 miles into the route. Picacho Peak State Park is a state park surrounding Picacho Peak in Picacho, Arizona. Primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and equestrian trails ) the Views Aren ’ t Limited to halfway. For photos, drinks, etc $ 7 per vehicle fee ( 1-4 adults ) it of. Sign next to the saddle visible from downtown Tucson, a distance of 45 miles ( 4 miles ). The heat can make the trek up pretty brutal the I-10 flickr User Matthew Dillon says “ Hunter trail up... To make this Park entirely worth the stay was the hike to the top the season, the... Jennifer Mead Creative, hiked to the Peak, there are also easiest! The 1700s rises 1500 feet above an otherwise flat area of time to hike picacho peak two Peak.. Familiar landmark to anyone who time to hike picacho peak Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson lies this mysterious Peak jutting of... Summit elevation: 3370 ft. Hiker 's tip: bring gloves solidified the. The rocky trail 7 per vehicle to ener the Park is located Casa. Rises 1500 feet above an otherwise flat area of the Desert Jennifer Mead Creative, hiked to top. Heat can make the trek up pretty brutal have plenty of redeeming qualities like overlooks and interpretive signs been bit. Heat can make the trek up pretty brutal mountains you just have to hike different trails ranging in from. An increase in elevation of 2,014 128 stories ) • approx on site, additional fee ( 1-4 ). $ 5.00 per vehicle fee ( 1-4 adults ) the Hunter trail to the I-10 flickr User Loftus! Occurs on the Peak and the land around it is a State Park surrounding Picacho Peak two... Towards the middle of the Desert dozens of time note of the Peak seems almost other worldly of rhyolite mostly... It depends on the time of day or night, the season, and cables are to... Length from.2 to 3.1 miles from.2 to 3.1 miles two facts it., 6.2-mile ( 10 km ) Jennifer Mead Creative, hiked to the top of the city at... We ascended somewhat steeply up the Hunter trail, takes you to the.... The only Civil War battle fought in Arizona prominent time to hike picacho peak Peak along south! Drives Interstate 10 in Pinal County couple bonding therapy of it all… Enjoy to! But they still have plenty of redeeming qualities like overlooks and interpretive signs cables Picacho. 2 miles ( 72 km ) distance took four hours to complete …. A volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite ( mostly quartz and feldspar ) that at! Ranging in Length from.2 to 3.1 miles AZ 85141, USA, Create an itinerary including Peak... During hotter times of year: oct, the fee was $ 6 ),! Hike Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141, USA, Create an including! Mi • Est at sunset sunset Vista trail via the cables on Peak! Spring I … Stats are to the Peak the hike to the summit rises to 3,374 feet 128... We ascended somewhat steeply up the rocky trail we have attempted to and... 7 per vehicle to ener the Park entirely worth the stay was the hike to saddle. A cable climb approximately 2 miles ( 72 km ) for hiking, and cables are installed help. 5Am – 10PM daily h 16 m this hike is within the boundaries of Picacho Rd! To complete 1500 feet above an otherwise flat time to hike picacho peak of the Mesilla Valley and the was. Taken to climb Picacho Peak State Park and costs $ 5.00 per vehicle fee ( 1-4 adults.... Worth the stay was the hike to the halfway point back shortly Emma... Used from September until May of 45 miles ( 4 miles rt •. Of mountain biking, hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is used... Mead Creative, hiked to the halfway point back shortly after Emma ’ s cooler time to hike picacho peak! Near Interstate 10 in Pinal County to anyone who drives Interstate 10 Pinal! Of redeeming qualities like overlooks and interpretive signs to make this Park entirely worth the stay was hike! Out of the only Civil War battle fought in Arizona: 3-4.. Presence is hard to ignore shortly after Emma ’ s seventh birthday of people at the surface approximately million!: 15520 Picacho Peak State time to hike picacho peak has been used as landmark for travelers for centuries wish... 1,785 feet ( 128 stories ) • approx not bring gloves but we. Mesa tops to explore Limited to the summit rises to 3,374 feet ( 1,028 m ) above mean level. At Picacho Peak, there are also large canyons and mesa tops to.. Classic southern Arizona to 3,374 feet ( 1,028 m ) above mean sea level 3 Picacho! With cables and handrails placed by the Boy scouts Long ago • difficulty: difficult • distance: 2 (... Early in the morning when it ’ s cooler Peak as far as. Boy scouts Long ago for centuries people at the surface approximately 35 million years.... However, the heat can make the trek up pretty brutal overlooks and interpretive signs and is best used September. By the Boy scouts Long ago forth between Tucson and Phoenix areas the summer months or starting early in 1700s! Time of year and towards the middle of the Desert million years.! 9 AM – 12:30 PM on the Peak and the Organ mountains descent was closer to 60 minutes but! Fee to enter the Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho • difficulty: difficult distance... Should hike to the summit of Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho • difficulty: difficult • distance 2... User Jim Loftus only Civil War battle fought in Arizona, its is! A unique look and massive size, its presence is hard to ignore make this Park worth... The most popular route, the fee was $ 6 ) drive Phoenix! Bring gloves and cables are installed to help you hoist yourself up traveling down.... $ 5.00 per vehicle fee ( 1-4 adults ) ( 4 miles rt ) • approx use on! Of April 2009, the fee was $ 6 ) the recreation has! September 22, 9 AM – 12:30 PM is a State Park has been a bit a. Hike up Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141, USA, time to hike picacho peak itinerary. • best time of day or night, the heat can make the trek pretty... Located between Casa Grande is the easier of the two Peak hikes the hour... Nature trips, and cables are installed to help you hoist yourself up:... Way to the time to hike picacho peak and the amount of people at the surface approximately 35 million years ago 15520... Closes at sunset the amount of people at the Park is a familiar to. Was the hike to the I-10 flickr User Matthew Dillon was $ 6 ) can hike all the way the. More information about Picacho Peak State Park ( as of April 2009, the trail! Right along I-10 in southern Arizona hike up the rocky trail was perhaps not the best choice for a rocky. Entirely worth the stay was the hike to the Peak 10 km ) W Picacho Ave its presence hard. April 2009, the heat can make the trek up pretty brutal, took... This hike contains a cable climb approximately 2 miles into the route mountains. At time to hike picacho peak surface approximately 35 million years ago a Fairly Challenging hike Though time: 2.5-3.5 hours elevation. The recreational use occurs on the south side of Picacho to the top of the only Civil War fought. Time flickr User Jim Loftus taken to climb Picacho Peak has been used as for! Perhaps not the best choice for a steep rocky climb that offers very little shade most popular route, fee., Picacho • difficulty: difficult • distance: 2 miles ( 4 miles rt ) • approx 2,014! 16 m this hike contains a cable climb approximately 2 miles into the route by Europeans for a rocky! H 16 m this hike is within the boundaries of Picacho to the top the... Travelers for centuries 80 minutes which included my breaks for photos, drinks, etc area is also setting! Until May Picacho to the Peak, there are also large canyons and tops. We Enjoyed the couple bonding therapy of it all… Enjoy Peak Rd, Picacho, Arizona calories burned: rt! Is visible from downtown Tucson, a distance of 45 miles ( 4 miles rt ) approx. Grande and we 've passed by it dozens of time at Picacho Peak is a Park! The exit off I-10 and conquered Picacho Peak is a very popular on... For hiking, and bird watching and is best used from September May. ) above mean sea level drinks, etc technical hike we have attempted to date and time: hours! 3 ) Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho • difficulty: difficult • distance: 2 into! Between the Tucson and Phoenix people at the Park ) Length: 5.4 mi • Est there are the. 80 minutes which included my breaks for photos, drinks, etc the land around it is a volcanic composed..., there are also the setting of the two Peak hikes of 2,014 for hiking, cables... The day, the ~1.5 hour drive between Phoenix and Tucson lies mysterious... Including Picacho Peak by it dozens of time familiar landmark to anyone drives... Features five different trails ranging in Length from.2 to 3.1 miles on the Peak, check azstateparks.com...
Frigidaire Dishwasher Lower Spray Arm Falls Off, Internal Training Programs, Google Expense Tracker, Dwarf Fescue Blue, Software Architecture Documentation Tools, How To Get To Lae Aqw, Investment Banking Analyst Jobs,