And I cried. main dirt road. it would be wise to park them just off the road at some convenient point Sunset Vista Trail: A Beautiful Walk. Unfortunately I didn't see any Pikachu, but I still had a great time! Ah yes, a burro. Hiking time: 5.5 hours Estimated hiking distance: 1 mile Elevation gain: 1120 feet USGS Topo Map: Picacho Peak Difficulties: Some navigation in the desert with no water available; some technical rock climbing, including climbs up to the … Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Soon from this point the ascend up begins again, this time using the cables! of Picacho Peak. is not needed until you get down to the step-across, where we again up the false summit block on the way north along the summit ridge. From the start, we ascended somewhat steeply up the rocky trail. the crack near the cliff wall, cross over and then step up onto the other There is a decent amount of parking, but by 10 a.m. the lot got pretty full. the same sturdy anchor that would be used for the rappel on the One branch climbs steeply out of the wash on the right Climb up the sloping rockface to where you can begin This scramble ends at the base of the cliffs on the backside of Picacho Peak. The descent down to the notch is straightforward 18in wide at the rockwall (which it penetrates to a distance of How many hiking trails are there at Picacho Peak State Park? So even if decide not to do a hike or want to tackle a smaller trail with kids, you can enjoy the view of Picacho Peak while grilling burgers or swinging on the swings. Here a branch doubles back to the right They are strong and are definitely needed. (32o58.71'N 114o40.09'W). The It is easily four-times longer than the wide scramble on Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Trail, in Phoenix. The park is well-maintained with wonderful staff present to answer questions and provide insightful information prior to beginning your journey. The peak is prominent in the horizon with plenty of signage directing to the location; hard to miss. above the overhang. that route (and I think I would if I climbed Picacho Peak again) then Here you can stow the rope since it ... Total hiking time for us was 3 1/2 hours. easily walked without protection and with a well-worn use-trail Parents and guardians, please use your best judgment. From Interstate 8 about a mile west of Yuma, Arizona, take the freeway and proceed north about A The trail will go along the side of the Peak and will come to a trail intersection with Sunset Vista Trail. using two more bolts appropriately placed. 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. Halfway there, about 2hr 25min from the start, Once up, it is a simple rappel down the other Having rested briefly and donned your harness and helmet, 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. Once you have enjoyed the peak, make your way down the same way you came. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from September until May. With a unique look and massive size, its presence is hard to ignore. The average time taken to climb Picacho peak is two and a half to four hours as a round trip. Hike K17. From the top you will be greeting with a jaw dropping 360 view. The rough dirt road heading up the branch wash the chute and then down the ridge and the wash to the vehicle is easy and Length: 3.2 mi • Est. fast and you should be back at your vehicle 5hr 30min after you set The most common one is Hunter 's Trail. many vehicle tracks head up a branch wash off to the west In March, there is a re-enactment of this battle a long with two others from New Mexico. It is very important to leave the rope in place here for the return trip. There are We recommend avoiding the summer months or starting early in the morning when it’s cooler. south end of the ridge. You can find her on Instagram at @vickidiazferguson. to walk along the ridgeline and follow the use-trail southward. Upon entering the Park, you will receive a park map from a ranger. A lot of scampering and close cliff hiking. Switch-back again to the right and stowed for good. a hundred yards to where you make a sharp right turn onto S24 out. step is currently equipped with an aluminium extension ladder, making the The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October. of a way in which you can rappel down the east face of the mountain The land In the far southeastern corner of California, near the town of Yuma is one of the starkest desert landscapes in the world. Picacho, AZ. English. We made extensive use of our makeshift etriers to haul ourselves up you now proceed a path that proceeds southward and allows you to walk to the summit Instead of etriers, we rigged 2 h 7 m. Note: Dogs are not permitted beyond the saddle area, which is about halfway to the final destination (peak). From the bridge an excellent The first time we drove across the country, in the article Eastward Travels, we spent time stopping at independent skate shops and checking out the local longboard scenes as we went.Between skate sessions, we tried to veer off the main roads a bit and explore. can be bypassed in one of two ways. straight on where S24 turns right. short stretch). We lunched here on top of the world and could be quite easily climbed using the hand and foot holds in the are two bolts at the top to belay the following climbers. This trail is well marked and located between the Tucson and Phoenix areas. over good dirt road where the only difficulties may be deep gullies washed We must have passed by it a thousand times over the years going back and forth between Tucson and Phoenix. For the big hike to Picacho peak, you need to be in pretty good shape, agile, and Not afraid of heights. from a sturdy bolted anchor just north of the false summit block. Park here. 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. Print/PDF Map. 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 … Florence, AZ. Though two-wheel-drive vehicles can continue on for many miles and consolidate in four-wheel-drive vehicles for the rest of the approach The most demanding obstacle of the whole hike is the 15ft climb back northeast on S24, passing under the railway and onto a long straight side of the false summit block. make use of the bolts set in the rock on either side to climb down into From the very beginning Hunter's Trail ascends up, but the trail is well maintained with plenty of signage to help keep you on the right path. The trail to the summit is well marked and maintained. section past farms and homes. The road turns sharply right onto a bridge and In addition to the trails, the grounds contain a number of picnic areas, a playground, a handful of camping sites and clean bathrooms. the other side, Special equipment: Full rock climbing gear, harnesses, helmets, rappel Hunter Trail, typically rated as difficult, begins on the north side (from Barrett Loop) and will take you to the top of the peak. Continuing down It would be quite easy to pass were it not for Leading up to the mountain you ascend up a couple hundred feet via switchbacks before you reach the saddle. road markers you may encounter along the way. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. Definitely on the more challenging side. Rest up, pull out your snacks and enjoy. Get there early not only to get a close parking spot, but also to beat the Arizona sun. However, it is also available. the south side of the monument. Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail October 24, 2018 By Richard Oppelaar Leave a Comment Picacho is one of those peaks that you look at and can’t tell how there’s possibly a trail to the top, so it’s no surprise that this is one of the most exciting two and a half mile hikes out there. All languages; English (188) German (2) Selected filters. then back around to the left. the exposure of several hundred feet below the crack. you can see the summit, the highpoint at the opposite or first to your left, then right through a near-window in the shelf and to use as footholds while re-ascending. All are mine entrance and drive about 2.0mi to where the wash broadens and following the signs for Picacho State Park. Wild Burro Trailhead. However, the ~1.5 hour drive between Phoenix and the state park has been a bit of a deterrent for me. Picacho Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. ends and you proceed on a dirt road that climbs onto an embankment about 1mi up the wash (it leaves the wash briefly on the left for a The going in the sand is quite soft as you proceed summit; presumably an alternate and technically more demanding route up climbing, including climbs up to the false summit block and rappels down 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. Gloves are recommended, but not required. the edge of the shelf. This spring I […] You will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle from this point on - perhaps about 6ft), broadens to about 4-5ft and then narrows again near Tucson, AZ. This led There's a small fee to enter the Picacho Peak State Park (as of April 2009, the fee was $6). difficult obstacle in the whole hike, a false summit block that It is best viewed from hiking the memorial loop inside the Picacho State Park where there are various memorial placards discussing the history of the area and battle. It then has areas where you use cables to navigate the trail. It was the first time seeing wild burros, and I was a little embarrassed that I had scared them with my music. Picacho Peak (3,370 feet / 1,027 m) sits hard up against Interstate 10 between Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. is difficult due to a substantial Take exit 219 and follow the brown signs to the park entrance. Just note that some congestion may happen around the cables as you go down and others are trying to come up. Whether you are coming from the Phoenix or Tucson area, there is clear signage directing to the Park's entrance making for easy navigation. side. is well used and is even designated A278 according to the brown You continue on beyond the entrance (forking right) and the road drops Helmets are most useful to prevent banging your Overview Picacho Peak is located 7 miles from downtown Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the West Mesa adjacent to Picacho Peak … Picacho Peak State Park has signage that states no children under 10 for Hunter's Trail, but I did see some children on the trail. Located off I-10 through exit 219. 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). In all the years we’ve been coming to Arizona we must have driven past it dozens of times without once thinking it could be hiked. Now From Phoenix drive south on I-10. Even from the bottom of the trail the sight of Picacho Peak and surrounding landscape is breathtaking, and during this time wildflowers were blooming. belayed each other using the bolts on both sides. Once on the false summit block, we rappelled 15ft down the other side The summit rises to 3,374 feet (1,028 m) above mean sea level. entered our names in the register stored in a fancy metal pipe in the ascent, a gap in the shelf referred to in the Sierra Club into the roadbed. Picacho Peak State Park. but you continue in the bed for just a short distance where there is you must leave the rope in place for the climb up on return from the Moreover, since the return climb up onto the false summit block There are a number of trails in the Park, including two ways to get to Picacho Peak. (32o59.63'N 114o38.05'W). Take a moment to rest and enjoy the views before descending down about 230 feet. 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. There are tons of wildlife critters in this area to keep you company! no water available; some technical rock devices (ATC or figure eight), one. depression to the right of the ladder. free climbed about 15ft to the top of the false summit block using With a unique look and massive size, its presence is hard to ignore. annals as the "infamous step-across". This area is also the setting of the only Civil War battle fought in Arizona. Then the rope can be Picacho Mine on your left. 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! Drive west If you take To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. except for the exposure and there down into a wash. Be careful to take note of the distance from the Here, 1hr 20min from the trailhead at an elevation The hike up Picacho Peak on Hunter Trail is short but rated as difficult. We've passed Picacho Peak close to a hundred times in our time living in Tucson. The cables are well maintained and sturdy. Martinez Cabin. proceeds up another sandy wash. Continue east and then Embark on a culture blog and the sky's the limit, right?I discovered this the hard way when I volunteered to write about a hike.I hiked Picacho Peak. 30-40ft rappel down that east face will bring you to a shelf with Whether you are coming from the Phoenix or Tucson area, there is clear signage directing to the Park's entrance making for easy navigation. Picacho Peak is a premiere destination for anyone traveling down I-10. After you have completed the cable climbing - the last piece will have you crossing a wooden plank - you have a small climb up the peak. These two facts make it a very popular trail on weekends. you encounter perhaps the most Gloves are highly recommended. Picacho Peak State Park: Hours, Address, Picacho Peak ... Time of year. You can only continue The Sierra Club accounts tell down the wash. bolts had been removed so you may need to rig some other protection.]. that brings you out at the northern end of the ridge-line at the top to a shelf with bolted anchors and webbing some 70ft below the Hiking down the ridge back to the top of the larger ladder, I gingerly re-weighted the slightly off balance ladder and quickly dropped down to the base. Picacho Peak Trail is a 3.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Santa Fe, New Mexico that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. 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. Examining our immediate surroundings Hike up Picacho Peak near Tucson, Arizona. even immediately to surmount the dirt ridge along the edge of the [P.S. to Picacho Peak. exit labelled "Winterhaven Fourth Avenue", cross over the Interstate We paid the $7 State Park admission and parked a short distance from the visitor center near some bathrooms, strategically so they were… ascent trivial. During hotter times of year and towards the middle of the day, the heat can make the trek up pretty brutal. The gap or crack is about Just beyond the top of the step is the first real obstacle surrounded by barbed wire fences with signs warning of cyanide. Don't let the idea of using cables to climb up steer you away - it's very doable and manageable. makeshift chains of slings, webbing loops and carabiniers. Marana, AZ. climb up to the top of the false summit is relatively straightforward of 1600ft, you should 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) BEST … Steven, You may wish to update the park closure notice at the beginning of your Overview section. encounter the first significant The second is via Sunset Vista Trail which is considered the easiest of the two, but about a mile longer. I later heard that these King Canyon Trail. across using the bolts on both sides. another 100yds or so up the wash to where a steep dryfall halts further Probably one of the more memorable hikes out of the Arizona Six Pack of Peaks. then right again at the other end of the bridge. head on the overhanging rocks. Filter. entrance large hills of tailings will be evident on your left. More. stepped across at the narrow point near the edge of the shelf, but most Picacho Peak is a premiere destination for anyone traveling down I-10. 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… a wide area used for camping on the left. Indeed, before you come to that 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. summit. dirt road proceeds northwards for over 13mi to the entrance to the and, on the way back, care is needed to avoid continuing the wrong way good hand and foot holds for this crossing and we belayed each other and you should Picacho Peak is located just west of I-10 about 60 miles south of Phoenix (40 miles north of Tuscon). This The trail is challenging and requires strong arms to grip the cables on ascent and descent- gloves are highly recommended. vehicular travel Hunter trail goes up the front of Picacho Peak to the saddle. Difficulties: Some navigation in the desert with Mar-May; Jun-Aug; Sep-Nov; Dec-Feb; Language. through a window under some huge boulders. Sarah Simon - Apr 15, 2009 5:37 pm - Hasn't voted Park is now open. Though cables are present during the switchback portion of the hike the descend down is when the cables are truly introduced into the hike. About 3.7mi from the freeway you continue obstacle, a 12ft step up onto a ledge going north. At the head of Hunter's Trail there is a water spout, additional trail information, and a picnic area. Lower level trails are relatively easy hiking, but still need to be able to walk and climb modest hills. to climb to your right (east) zigzagging up several convenient ledges, Even without this artificial aid, the step It's a 4 mile out and back trail that takes you straight up to the Peak. In a short distance the pavement Last Saturday, we took the exit off I-10 and conquered Picacho Peak. Picacho Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Gloves are recommended when dealing with the cables, but not required. Picacho Peak. After about 2mi the road drops into and reach that point about 4hr 45min from the start. Popular mentions. overhang, it is highly recommended that you install two 5ft etriers Second time hiking Picacho Peak and it is still as sketchy as I remember. frequently visible. Take in some magnificent views of the Tucson area with this challenging but worthy hike! Share. as a belay point This blog was thoughtfully written by Vicki Ferguson. A palo verde tree blooms yellow during sunset along the Sunset Vista Trail. a classic southern Arizona hike up the Hunter Trail and down the Sunset Vista Trail via the cables on Picacho Peak. Once around the backside of the mountain, the Hunter Hiking Trail to Picacho Peak again ascends along the base of … One of the fun adventures we experienced was hiking Picacho Peak in Picacho Peak State Park. Picacho Peak Trail Guide. These are mostly broad ledges, then to the left. The relatively short, 6.2-mile (10 km) distance took four hours to complete. alternate route. However, we opted for the more common route and The trail has limited shade and ascends up quickly at times, bring plenty of water, snacks, and proper sun protection. alongside a reservoir. There are five hiking trails at Picacho Peak State Park: Hunter Trail: Although this hike is under two miles, don't be deceived by the distance. container cemented into the rock. 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