There isn’t much advantage to using the western trailhead. 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). I am so grateful that we made it to the top. Responses. If you see an item you might like to copy, please send me a request. As the perspective becomes familiar, start edging west towards the highlands. Congratulations to you both also; it must have been a long one. Was. Picacho Peak: The Trail: There are a range of different trails that you’re able to hike at Picacho and all for different age ranges and levels. Picacho Trail (jeep trail) as it departs the confluence of arroyos for the peak. There are a number of different routes to the peak … 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. The only birds I observed along the trail were several Rock Wrens. The path was steep and rocky, and in some places, we were walking along a sheer drop off. Geologists have no clue what volcano made it. Best of all, the mouth of this drainage opens up almost at the foot of the rock that was the north landmark. "One of the most wonderful things in nature is a glance of the eye, it transcends speech, it is the bodily symbol of identity." I've been wanting to do this hike since I moved to Tucson a year and a half ago. Our round trip took us a little over four hours. After living in Tucson and hearing the stories of the difficulty of this climb, I am thrilled you and Howard made this journey. The new trailhead is discussed and mention is made of shaded picnic tables. We sat at the summit enjoying a snack and the view. Hi Lois! This rock, due north, is the destination. michaeljdax November 7, 2020 November 7, 2020 Trip Report. This road descends to the east, which is not the direction of choice here. Out of the parking lot, the trail starts with a gentle uphill grade and a few slight turns. Just past the road, however, there is a new barbed wire fence that forces hikers back to the road at 0.6 miles from the trailhead. Picacho Peak is a premiere destination for anyone traveling down I-10. Our set challenge was met, it was so much fun and I won’t ever forget this climb/hike. There are 7 established trails varying in length between 0.1 mile (Memorial Loop) to 2.6 mile (Sunset Vista). Hobbies include photography, birding, Pickleball, astronomy, biking, and hiking. Travel one more mile and turn north on Anthem Rd. There are good views north to Robledo Peak, the Dona Anna Mountains east of that, the Organ Needle is due east (somewhat hazy on this day), with the Franklins and the Three Sisters (including Cox) to the southeast and south west, respectively. Pass under the multi-colored cliffs at 3.3 miles and look on your left for a very prominent cow path (it appears to be a regular path) at 3.5 miles heading into the arroyos above you. Picacho Hills trailhead: From Picacho Ave and Main St in Las Cruces, head west on … Peak Summited: 2020 Picacho Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Hunter Trail: Encountered: Wildflowers blooming: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a group: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: Revisited Picacho for a nice invigorating vertical climb to get ready for the Superstition's Ridgeline! Exit 219 off Interstate 10, Picacho, AZ 85131. Instead, there is a ridge descending from the summit to the north-west. When it nears downtown, however, US 70 takes a hard right and becomes West Picacho Ave. That is what the instructions say at the BLM website. The trail we are interested in is the Hunter Trail. Departure point from bottom of Box canyon on prominent trail (swinging to the left). It’s short but very steep 1.5 miles to the summit, and then back the way you came up. 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. Given the housing that has sprung up along the south side of Picacho, this is no longer a good spot for target practice. … The new trailhead will place you directly south of Picacho Peak and closer to the mountain than the west trailhead (described above). Cancel reply. Wolf Song Blog is copyrighted. The 1.5 mile trail to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains. Rather, all of the incidents involved high temperatures causing heat exhaustion and stroke. The trail begins in an environment that is typical of Sonoran desert landscape with desert vegetation and varieties of cactus. Yes, it was ad adventure. Although most … Exit 219 off Interstate 10, Picacho, AZ 85131. Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail is a hard 3.4-mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 1,982 feet. We began our hike at the Hunter Trailhead. After 1.0 miles Picacho Hills forks, stay to the left and the road becomes Barcelona Ridge Road. New roads, however, have entered this area and the Bureau of Land Management has added a new trailhead. What was your experience like? Picacho Peak can be seen nearby, over the tops of the berms. Follow this for 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot. On Friday, January 4, 2019, while staying at Picacho Peak State Park we climbed to the top of the famous Picacho Peak. Hike Photos February 3, 2007 - Joel and I hiked Picacho Peak in Picacho Peak State Park, which is a tall and pointed that sits adjacent to I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. Picacho is a an elderly volcano. This is the easier of the two peak hikes. Tagged: Picacho Peak. If you don’t have experience with off-trail hiking then consider returning from the summit the same way you arrived. Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail Overview. Tagged: Picacho Peak. Getting there. Give the handsome one a hug for me (you know who)! Picacho Peak State Park boasts multiple trails, but the most popular is likely the Hunter's Trail. Helpful. What sets this hike apart from most trails in Arizona is the system of cables, handrails, and bridges in some sections of the hike. The land In the far southeastern corner of California, near the town of Yuma is one of the starkest desert landscapes in the world. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. Let the world see … Picacho Peak. Go left on the jeep trail and begin to ascend. For the hike back to the trailhead, you can choose to return the way you came, on the Hunter Hiking Trail to Picacho Peak, or make a longer (eight mile total length) loop back to the trailhead on the Sunset Vista Trail. Parents and guardians, please use your best judgment. Perhaps the most popular trail at Picacho Peak, the Hunter Trail gives the shortest route to the top. Watch especially for the faint road you took down from the trailhead and use it to return to the car at about 5.4 miles, round trip. The grade becomes steep within a quarter mile of the trailhead. King Canyon Trail. I sure wish I could have taken more photos along the way, especially the saguaros. Sunset Vista Trail - Picacho Peak. From the … Gloves are highly recommended. It takes a long series of drought years to drive cattle up to summits in the quest for fodder. The Hunter Trail, which is one of five in Picacho Peak State Park, is the route to the top. This is the trail from the south trailhead (the BLM’s new trailhead). Full view. There is an entry fee of $6 per car load (as of this writing). 189 Reviews #2 of 7 things to do in Picacho. If you should drive past the trailhead then you will soon begin a steep descent into Box Canyon – turn about! Website +1 520-466-3183. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/picacho-peak-trail Have you ridden this trail? Simply enter the park, pay your entrance fee of $7 per vehicle (for 1-4 occupants) – and then drive to the end of that road where you’ll find parking near the trailhead. You then follow a complex ledge system, switchbacking back and forth as you climb the otherwise vertical side of Picacho Peak. Their trails mark out an easy route of descent. We began our hike at the Hunter Trailhead. Picacho Peak from west trailhead (Dona Anna Mountains to the left). I suspect that the south trailhead is easily visible from Loop Road. Most tragic was the recent (April 2019) death of 16-year old boy scout Joshua Michael White. It's close to town, offers some good elevation and excellent views over the city, and it truly is 'Where the Rockies Begin'. Picacho Peak State Park. 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. The weather on this Friday was perfect for the climb, not too cool or too warm. Open today: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Picacho, AZ. Challenging hike, spectacular vistas, remote location This rarely visited peak is located in a remote location in the Picacho Mountains. Share your best travel photo. I followed the instructions in Day Hikes and Nature Walks In The Las Cruces – El Paso Area, which was written in 2004. Yes, it was a fun one. Thanks so much! The west trailhead (described here) is unsigned and has no amenities. The only other mammal that I saw on this hike. 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. The Sunset … The surrounding canyons invite exploration. In one … The mighty Camry at the west trailhead, Pichacho in background and berm on the right. A waterfall composed of pillow lava is quite a sight to see. it should not be difficult to take the roads back to the trailhead. United States ; Arizona (AZ) Picacho ; Picacho - Things to Do ; Picacho Peak State Park; Search. To get there they advise using US 70 as it goes through Las Cruces. 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