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. Although most of the recreational use occurs on the peak, there are also large canyons and mesa tops to explore. For an experienced adventurer that has scrambled on bare rock, these cables are a convenience, not a necessity. If you have severe knee pain or don’t have strong stability in your ankles, then this may be your turning point. 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 a bit of … Picacho Peak State Park is located 70 miles south of Phoenix and 40 miles north of Tucson along Interstate 10. We had heards that the flowers had been opened. Early morning from the saddle along Picacho Peak’s Hunter Trail. © Happily Pink 2016 | For starters, generously hydrate yourself the day before and the morning of. If this is your case, don’t expect to hike during the summer or late spring. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me on Instagram, @HappilyPinkBlog. I thought it was easier to cross using the rock for holds. There was one other car in the parking lot, but I saw no one on my ascent. If this is your first time venturing out to Picacho Peak State Park (or hiking in Arizona), I made a list of some things that you should know. We could see the flowers. Florence, AZ. But even if you don’t have time to view the map (or forget), the road is well-marked and easy to navigate. I ventured up this steep, rugged path on a pre-dawn on a late March morning. Perhaps the most popular trail at Picacho Peak, the Hunter Trail gives the shortest route to the top. At this point your ascent begins with the cables. 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. Wild Burro Trailhead. Check out his site for more info. 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. I should divulge the fact that I took a fall on this hike. As I climbed, I knew this standard trail would give way to a network of steep rocky inclines with the aid of cables. Without fail, the trail makes another break for the top, unleashing another string of cable-fed ascents. In this post, I breakdown some of my tips and best practices. Length: 3.2 mi • Est. What sets this hike apart from most trails in Arizona is the system of cables, handrails, and bridges in some sections of the hike. This 4 mile out and back trail that takes you to the summit of Picacho Peak will not disappoint, especially if you're looking to get that adrenaline pumping. While the hike is frequently labeled as difficult, it is still doable. Address: 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85241. Take a well deserved break … Those with a thirst for adventure set their sights on the Picacho Peak summit, elevation 3,370 feet. TRAIL STATS Distance: 4 Miles RT Type of Trail: Out and back Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced Elevation: 3,374 feet Kid Friendly: Varies (See tips below) Dog-Friendly: No I met a nice couple from south Phoenix and exchanged suggestions for good hikes back in the city. Another friendly man greeted me as I ascended a cable-lined embankment, laughing in a self-deprecating manner as he kept a white-knuckle grip on the cable. The 1.5 mile trail to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains. Through certain areas, I’ve had friends and family who had to slide down for steep parts. Some pass it without notice. Since we arrived before the visitor center was open, we just paid on our way out. A few factors determine the amount of time it will take to hike Hunter Trail. Local hiking expert, “Hiking Bob” Falcone has been a Colorado Springs resident for 27 years. Where is Picacho Peak State Park? 5:30am Began hike at the trailhead of Barrett Loop, 6:07am Reached the saddle and first major set of cables. The summit rises to 3,374 feet (1,028 m) above mean sea level. 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The first leg of the hike will include sun, but once you’re on the other side, you get to stay in the shade. They were so beautiful! The vertical climbing is easily my most favorite part of the hike! To the southeast, the Santa Catalina Mountains appear as a magic kingdom in the distance. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Picacho Peak State Park is a state park surrounding Picacho Peak in Picacho, Arizona. The summit rises to 3,374 feet (1,028 m) above mean sea level. To the north is Newman Peak, of the Picacho Mountains. This is another section where people can be intimidated. A few factors determine the amount of time it will take to hike Hunter Trail. 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. Desert valleys stretch for miles in all directions, interrupted in the distance by the long ridges of neighboring mountains. Trailheads fill with cars as hikers take to the network of trails in search of colorful wildflowers and endless vistas. This is a difficult trail with steep inclines and steel cables, so gloves are recommend. The trail is very well maintained and follows several switchbacks which will turn rocky as you get close to the peak. For the average hiker with an understandable fear of heights, the cables must be a God send. You’ll be able to see the peak on the south side of the highway as you get closer, and you’ll also notice signs for Picacho Peak State Park. So, you want to hike Picacho Peak? I included a link to the park’s map, in case you’d like to familiarize yourself. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. If you need to take a break, there’s plenty of space to step to the side for water. A challenging 3.2 mile hike where you hike up, then descend quite a distance, and ascend back up plus more. I can't remember how long it took us but I think the hike finished at a little over an hour. The thought of a 1,400 foot climb, in just two miles, can be daunting. The trailhead for the Hunter Hiking Trail to Picacho Peak is located approximately 1.5 miles further into the park, at the top of the Barrett Loop (see downloadable trail map). Continue to follow the signs and painted rocks, and you will eventually reach the saddle! After you drive past the visitor center*, you will take the first left to Barrett Loop. The park is located between Casa Grande and Tucson near Interstate 10 in Pinal County. From Phoenix, get on the I-10 heading East. The main reason why I recommend hiking earlier is so that your time is shorter. The state park opens at 5:00am and the trails open at sunrise. In my list, I included my recommended attire and the reasoning: At only 4 miles, Hunter Trail is a relatively short hike. We went early at Picacho Peak State Park. Contemplating the harsh Sonoran Desert from atop Picacho, one cannot help but look to the Catalinas and dream of its crown of cool pine forests. The trailhead is on the north side of Barret Loop within the park. Fees: $7 per vehicle fee (1-4 adults). Take exit 219 and turn Right onto Picacho Peak Road. I feel something can be less intimidating and easier to conquer if you can mentally prepare yourself in advance. My photographs do no justice to the beauty I saw with my own eyes. Others glance over in awe as it towers above the parched desert valleys. … The first park of the hike will take you to a scenic spot, … Perhaps the most popular trail at Picacho Peak, the Hunter Trail gives the shortest route to the top. I prefer to climb down the same way that I climb up, through rock climbing. Below is how long it took my siblings and I to leisurely hike: With Picacho Peak State Park positioned along the I-10, it’s fairly easy to travel to the park from Tucson (30-40 minutes) or Phoenix (60-70 minutes). He’s a retire firefighter, avid hiker and outdoorsman, and leads group hikes for fitness, business and pleasure. I recommend beating the heat and arriving right before sunrise. Disposable mask: if the trails are heavily populated then it is recommended to wear masks. If you have to wait for people to pass, then naturally it will take more time. Personally, I am more of an occasional hiker but I felt that my experience could help someone prepare for their first adventure to the top of the 3374-foot summit. Sonoran Desert National Monument I guess that’s just a little reminder that in every situation, even a simple step, care should be taken to avoid mistakes. From the top of Picacho Peak On Friday, January 4, 2019, while staying at Picacho Peak State Park we climbed to the top of the famous Picacho Peak. Dramatic views of the Picacho Mountains from the Picacho Peak Summit. Over the course of eons, the action of pounding desert rain and unrelenting gravity has eroded the range in two, creating valley and a void between Picacho Peak and its siblings. If you would rather hike around 10am, as opposed to 5:00am then I recommend hiking between late fall to early spring. Hunter Trail, typically rated as difficult, begins on the north side (from Barrett Loop) and will take you to the top of the peak. The descent is a different type of slippery, rocky slope than what’s experienced in the beginning. I’m Natalie, and my goal is to encourage you to seek out what makes you the happiest in life. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. TRAIL DESCRIPTION Take in some magnificent views of the Tucson area with this challenging but worthy hike! Another attractions: The cacti is always there. Picacho Peak State Park is a state park surrounding Picacho Peak in Picacho, Arizona.The park is located between Casa Grande and Tucson near Interstate 10 in Pinal County.Its centerpiece spire is visible from downtown Tucson, a distance of 45 miles (72 km). Almost every Arizonan has driven by the rocky crags of Picacho Peak along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. Hunter Trail is roughly 4 miles round trip, and in this immediate section I will highlight the different parts of the trail. Prepare to … Within the hour I made it to a saddle between the summit and a high point on the ridge to the north. We began our hike at the Hunter Trailhead. The land In the far southeastern corner of California, near the town of Yuma is one of the starkest desert landscapes in the world. Most are not too exposed, but where the rocks begin to cliff-up, the trail is fitted with wire-fences to prevent a slip during into a bone-crunching, life-threatening fall. Required fields are marked *. But, with the incline and climb, you should expect this to take you longer than flatter hikes. Tens of millions of years ago, Picacho Peak and Newman Peak were connected by a continuous ridge of mountain tops. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All roads within the park are paved. February through early April offers the … We've passed Picacho Peak close to a hundred times in our time living in Tucson. The Sunset Vista Trail adds an extra two miles of easier trail before joining up with the Hunter Trail, which wends to the peak. The Stonewall Peak Trail hike is the most popular hike in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park for good reason. I stopped in my tracks as the morning sun crested the eastern horizon and illuminated the towering cliffs in warm light. We decided to hike to the top of beautiful views. But not on the rock faces and cables, I was super careful up there. You will climb a little over 1,100' in elevation on the 2.5 mile hike to Picacho Peak. You will see a sign marked “Hunter Trail,” and from there, your 4-mile hike begins! Those truly inspired by its beauty will exit the highway and enter into a little patch of desert called Picacho Peak State Park. I was glad I had chosen an early start. But for everyone else who may want to turn around, collect your courage and slowly work your way down. I enjoyed the vista for a moment or two, and then pushed onward. The distance to the top is 2.7 miles with an increase in elevation of 2,014. It was a glorious morning with perfect 50 degree weather. The scenery was enjoyed both by us and our cameras! We went out late in the day, so we only hiked out about a half mile, just over the top of the first little ridge into a little valley on the other side. Picacho Peak is a large lava flow. If you weren’t using the cables’ assistance previously, then I would absolutely use them now. I know I sound like a big old wussy here, but, be warned: Picacho is not for the weak of heart. January 9, 2016. @2018 — Mountain Tripper | Jake Case Photography. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from September until May. My younger sister is 5’3″ and had no problem holding onto the cables. Don’t forget to take your trash with you! Enjoy the 360-views of the Sonoran Desert and take your photos. The views are worth it, but be sure to bring pletny of water and gloves! You could turn it into a tough hike to the top if desired, but just about anyone could walk the half mile in and enjoy some classic desert views. Marana, AZ. Winter stuck around as long as possible this year, but a promising sign that spring is near has been cropping up all across Arizona. Soon the trail returns back into an ordinary, simple dusty trail leads up and down the rocky hillside. It’s short but very steep 1.5 miles to the summit, and then back the way you came up. The views are classic. Descending the east slopes, the sun was starting to warm the rock and the air into 70 degree weather, which made the ascending hikers look hot and sweaty. I’ve done this hike where the duration spanned from 2.5 – 5 hours. It’s the very top of that big, imposing mountain, straight in front of you. The key that belonged to the car I was driving of course. To the left, out of frame, is a noticeable drop off. Instead, I prefer to rock climb to the top. Artists’ Paintpots Trail – Easy Hikes in Yellowstone... We Went There: Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde... Life is Peachy at the Schnepf Farms Peach... We Went There: Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I descended the first set of cable-lined rock with a wry grin, snapping a few photos along the way. Sticking up out of this flat desert are majestic rock monolith… Some park an RV in its campground and enjoy the views of jagged ridgelines and saguaro cactus. From either direction, you will take exit 219 for Picacho Peak Rd. The signs will say 2 miles, but they lie. How Long Does It Take to Climb Picacho Peak? Ten Dollars for Twenty Minutes of Awe at... Lenox Crater: A Sustainable Hiking Trail Design at... Field Guide to Arizona’s Sonoran Desert Wildflowers. The key wouldn’t start the car, so I had to walk four extra miles round trip to our campsite and retrieve the extra set from my wife. Picacho Peak is one of the best spots to see wildflowers, with several easy hiking trails lined with vibrant yellow poppies from start to finish. While I prefer to start my hikes at the start of sunrise, I understand not everyone is an early bird. A palo verde tree blooms yellow during sunset along the Sunset Vista Trail. We’re in the final stretch! If you’re nervous about your speed and other hikers, then this may be another good reason to start earlier in the day. Congratulations on hiking all the way to the summit!! The base is a great intro to the rocky climbing that you will soon encounter on the other side of the base. Hike The first section takes you up steep switchbacks to the saddle. My younger siblings took the approach of sitting at the top and working their way down. The main reason why I recommend hiking earlier is so that your time is shorter. Once the the final rock-and-cable climb is completed, the trail snakes its way up to a steep slope for a couple hundred feet until it attains the flat, rocky summit of Picacho Peak. This is a unique trail with cables and handrails placed by the Boy scouts long ago. At the saddle, there’s a historical plaque where you can learn about the 1862 Battle of Picacho Pass– the largest Civil War battle in Arizona territory. Hunter Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike to the top of Picacho Peak. Pay attention to your footing since the ground is quite uneven. This is a great spot to hydrate with more water, and even replenish your energy with a snack like an orange or protein bar. I had a great time hiking Picacho Peak, but that extra walk in the desert sun, well, I think I would’ve preferred to do without that. We were treated to views of a “saguaro forest” to the west, with the sun setting over the mountains in the distance. Winter is NOT the time to climb Pikes Peak, but don’t take our word for it. 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. You to the north side of the sun slowly rising above the parched valleys... 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