The peak is over 9 million years old, even older than the Organ Mountains that tower to the east. Picacho Peak Location & Information: Located just 7 miles west of Downtown Las Cruces, Picacho peak has several trails for mountain biking, hiking and equestrian use. Whether you are coming from the Phoenix or Tucson area, there is clear signage directing to the Park's entrance making for easy navigation. Sunset vista trail adds an extra 4.5 miles (round trip) onto the hike… Directions: After approximately 1 mile on Picacho Hills Drive, veer to the left onto Barcelona Ridge Road. Today’s quest was Picacho (pronounced pick-aw-cho) Peak. 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. Steven, You may wish to update the park closure notice at the beginning of your Overview section. Picacho Peak is a premiere destination for anyone traveling down I-10. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. Picacho Peak is one of those mountains you just have to hike! Picacho Peak Trail Guide. The Hunter Hiking Trail begins its ascent on a series of switchbacks up the northern side of the Picacho Peak. This is a unique trail with cables and handrails placed by the Boy scouts long ago. Picacho Peak State Park: Hours, Address, Picacho Peak State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. It helps create a mental map of where we are in the world. 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) a classic southern Arizona hike up the Hunter Trail and down the Sunset Vista Trail via the cables on Picacho Peak. Hike There is a very obvious sign next to the correct trail that says “Hunter Trail To the Top of the Peak”. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. Stats are to the peak, including the Sunset Trail segment. The Picacho Peak summit climbs to 4,959 feet above sea level and provides stunning views of Southern New Mexico. With a unique look and massive size, its presence is hard to ignore. Picacho Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Picacho Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. We always like to start with a bird’s eye view of our surroundings whenever possible. Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail. The Hunter Hiking Trail to Picacho Peak is a short trail, containing some of the best rock scrambles (replete with handrails and cables) in all of Arizona. You can’t miss seeing this prominent outcrop when driving I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. Hunters’ trail is the one that goes all the way up to the top, and I would advise taking that way up instead of through sunset vista trail. over 1 year ago. Overview Picacho Peak is located 7 miles from downtown Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the West Mesa adjacent to Picacho Peak … It is a great hike and takes approximately 45 minutes to ascend and 30 minutes to descend. Hiking Picacho Peak. Overview Between Phoenix and Tucson lies this mysterious peak jutting out of the desert. Sarah Simon - Apr 15, 2009 5:37 pm - Hasn't voted Park is now open. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. Skill Level: Beginning – Experienced Types of Recreation Available: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding. Challenging but so rewarding! Hike Picacho Peak's Hunter Trail . - Apr 15, 2009 5:37 pm - Has n't voted Park now., horseback riding 9 million years ago presence is hard to ignore premiere destination for anyone traveling down.! 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