Picacho Peak is a large lava flow. Shortly you will reach the small prominence that marks the northern end of the ridge. 2.7 miles. Summit view across Mesilla Valley to the Organ Mountains. This is the west trailhead. 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. This trail has a lot of hard elevation gain. Next time I’m going to the south trailhead. a classic southern Arizona hike up the Hunter Trail and down the Sunset Vista Trail via the cables on Picacho Peak. It is a great hike with a wonderful reward at the end. The signs will say 2 miles, but they lie. 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. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. 2.7 miles. The hike up Picacho Peak on Hunter Trail is short but rated as difficult. The Hunter Trail, which is one of five in Picacho Peak State Park, is the route to the top. Box Canyon road is washed out in places. Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog. In particular, you want to note a set of cliffs with sandy colored capstone and darker supporting rock, along with a couple large canyons coming in from the north. 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. Howard took the panoramic, header photo using his Apple iPhone. The trailhead has no toilets or water, so stop at the visitor’s center if either are needed. You might think that something called Peak Peak would be pretty intimidating. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. Sunset Vista Trail takes you on a pleasant and colorful 3.1 miles on … In its northeastern reaches US 70 is also called North Main Street. Indeed, there was a customer for tank services, a single black cow. We have a beautiful day here today with highs in the 50’s. I sure wish I could have taken more photos along the way, especially the saguaros. Given the housing that has sprung up along the south side of Picacho, this is no longer a good spot for target practice. We walked from the campground and did a loop by coming up the back section which is crazy!!. We were surprised by how many chain sections there were. Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail. Write a review. Skye, enjoying a February, 2017 snow storm. Picacho Peak State Park is relatively small at 3,747 acres, but it contains the iconic Picacho Peak, a lone craggy southwestern mountain peak reminiscent of something from a John Wayne movie that you can’t miss seeing from I-10 on a drive between Phoenix and Tucson. 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. It can be windy and chill at the top, even on days when the desert is earning its reputation at the base. Tucson, AZ. I ventured up this steep, rugged path on a pre-dawn on a late March morning. It’s a bit challenging and could be problematic for people with a true fear of heights or those with knee issues, but its short distance and protected ledges make it a pretty … it should not be difficult to take the roads back to the trailhead. Ocotillo tends to lean over the trail and battles with barrel cactus for every drop of water that might be recovered from this parched terrain. When it reaches the arroyo bottom, turn left onto the trail and follow as it sticks to the left arroyo wall. This area is also the setting of the only Civil War battle fought in Arizona. The route to the summit follows the main … Tagged: Picacho Peak. From here it would make sense to simply return the way you came. On Friday, January 4, 2019, while staying at Picacho Peak State Park we climbed to the top of the famous Picacho Peak. Picacho Peak is one of those mountains you just have to hike! After much turning, some rising and rather more falling, the trail comes to a confluence of arroyos at 1.2 miles. It’s close to town, offers some good elevation and excellent views over the city, and it truly is ‘Where the Rockies Begin’. Descend off of the summit to where the approach trail joins with another trail coming in from the east. Exit 219 off Interstate 10, Picacho, AZ 85131. There is an entry fee of $6 per car load (as of this writing). To get there they advise using US 70 as it goes through Las Cruces. Picacho, AZ. Also at this point, intersect a jeep trail that traverses the waterway and heads directly at the hill. Was. Geologists have no clue what volcano made it. A deep gulch descends from the ridge line. Hi Beth! The “almost back to the trailhead” perspective on Picacho Peak. The following describes a different route back to trailhead. Our set challenge was met, it was so much fun and I won’t ever forget this climb/hike. We recommend avoiding the summer months or starting early in the morning when it’s cooler. Picacho Peak State Park: the hike Picacho Peak State Park is located about midway between Phoenix and Tucson. We took the Hunter Trail down as the last part. Helpful. Change ). Turn north on Loop Rd. Fantastic – you guys ROCK! Hike up Picacho Peak near Tucson, Arizona. I have been happily married, for 44 years, to an amazing person. Sunset Vista Trail takes you on a pleasant and colorful 3.1 miles on the south side of Picacho to the peak. Not knowing this I crossed it to see if I could pick up the trail in the desert. Getting there. If you don’t have experience with off-trail hiking then consider returning from the summit the same way you arrived. 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. Our round trip took us a little over four hours. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. The north trail is a little faint, but keep the faith and head down into the northern canyons. Cancel reply. 189 Reviews #2 of 7 things to do in Picacho. It was fun, and I was determined to finish! If you were to turn left and follow it you would come to the south trailhead. With your first step from the trailhead, you’ll start a gradual climb up a rocky slope dotted with saguaros, creosote bushes and paloverde trees. We began our hike at the Hunter Trailhead. Picacho Peak. The distance to the top is 2.7 miles with an increase in elevation of 2,014. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The Sunset … Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Judging from the litter on the trailhead, this is a popular place to fire shotguns. 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. Mountains, Points of Interest & Landmarks, State Parks. There are also some easier trails that still ... Read all 189 reviews. The 1.5 mile trail to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains. The land In the far southeastern corner of California, near the town of Yuma is one of the starkest desert landscapes in the world. February through early April offers the best rewards. Beautiful, old Saguaro Cactus as far as the eye could see. It looks as though the firearms community has not yet gotten word about the regs against firing inside the park. This summit is great spot for a bit of trail mix and studying approaches into the surrounding ranges. "One of the most wonderful things in nature is a glance of the eye, it transcends speech, it is the bodily symbol of identity." We began our hike at the Hunter Trailhead. Picacho Peak State Park boasts multiple trails, but the most popular is likely the Hunter's Trail. ( Log Out /  Picacho Peak State Park: Hours, Address, Picacho Peak State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. This faint trail switchbacks in a mannerly fashion, descending towards and eventually beside a large rocky outcrop. Date of experience: October 2017. There are several good hiking and walking trails in the area. Picacho Peak State Park lies off I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. Contact. Picacho Peak is one of those mountains you just have to hike! The surrounding canyons invite exploration. Starting Elevation (trailhead): 4440 feet. If you liked Picacho's views, Atalaya is almost 600' higher and offers even more limitless views of the valley and mountains below. There is a very obvious sign next to the correct trail that says “Hunter Trail To the Top of the Peak”. First added by TrailAPI on Apr 28, 2020. Cancel reply. Trail Conditions: Excellent. Although … My knees were shot from all the steps down. There are several hiking trails in the park, including the very challenging Picacho Peak summit. There are a number of different … This is a favorite out-and-back hike for Santa Fe locals. Picacho Peak. Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail. Hi Lois! Picacho Peak is now a part of BLM’s Picacho Peak Recreation Area. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. After 1.0 miles Picacho Hills forks, stay to the left and the road becomes Barcelona Ridge Road. There are at least two places where deep gullies have formed in or near the road. Picacho Peak State Park. I am so grateful that we made it to the top. The trail we are interested in is the Hunter Trail. 2008-03-01: Randal_Schulhauser: 4.95 mi 967 ft: 18 unofficial routes | load nearby guides. Rated difficult (and it was). I enjoy hiking, but never have done one such as this. And you finished it! The park is well-maintained with wonderful staff present to answer questions and provide insightful information prior … Picacho Peak State Park is part of the Arizona State Parks and Trail System and includes a visitor center, park store, campgrounds, picnic areas, armadas, grills, playground and of course hiking trails. Save. Coming off of the flattest section you are presented with an opportunity to enter one of the drainages. Location. Follow the signs to the trailhead. Hike The first section takes you up steep switchbacks to the saddle. This hill offers a nice morning’s stroll through classic North Chihuahuan terrain; incredibly open, prickly, sometimes green, always cattle browsed and on occasion rattle-ly. Picacho Peak Trail Guide. Out of the parking lot, the trail starts with a gentle uphill grade and a few slight turns. The view at the top was a nice reward for making it up the trail! Ralph Waldo Emerson, Sheila & Howard, 2017 on Longleaf Trace, Hattiesburg, MS, Sheila and Howard (photo taken at Lindsay and Michael’s wedding rehersal party), “Say Dad, is Mom over there playing that game with the ball again?”. Actually, if you divert just slightly to the east (right) you will find an huge old circular water tank. On Friday, January 4, 2019, while staying at Picacho Peak State Park we climbed to the top of the famous Picacho Peak. The new trailhead is discussed and mention is made of shaded picnic tables. After 20 feet on US 70 East, turn across a paved section of the median strip and go directly across the west-bound lanes of US 70, entering Frontage Road 1031. This will be a useful memory to retain, as the last part of the return is off-trail and your perspective on the hill is a clue as to how near you are to your car. This is a sign that you have gotten well to the west of Picacho. Picacho Peak State Park is a state park surrounding Picacho Peak in Picacho, Arizona. What sets this hike apart from most trails in Arizona is the system of cables, handrails, and bridges in some sections of the hike. Have fun, stay safe! This hike is within the boundaries of Picacho Peak State Park. You then follow a complex ledge system, switchbacking back and forth as you climb the otherwise vertical side of Picacho Peak. It is worth checking out. Take exit 219 and follow the brown signs to the park entrance. Amazing. If you miss it there should be no problem. Categories: 2020 Arizona Winter. The system of gravel roads provide a means to connect to the trails at the Robledo Mountains and further out into the Cornudas area and Las Uvas mountains. They have introduced a new trailhead. Geologists have no clue what volcano made it. The mighty Camry at the west trailhead, Pichacho in background and berm on the right. You could hardly ask for a kinder re-introduction to the joys of gaining altitude. Incautious tire placement would leave you stopped and might leave you stuck. ( Log Out /  Follow the road briefly and come to a gap in the roadside fencing that is signed for the trail. Still hard, but fun! The trail starts off easy from the trailhead but will become exceedingly difficult as you go. Make a right turn at Picacho Peak Road and follow the road into the park. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. Although most … The only birds I observed along the trail were several Rock Wrens. This terrain is so open, however, that it constitutes an open invitation to roaming. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago.The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. Picacho Peak is now a part of BLM’s Picacho Peak Recreation Area. The trailhead is on the north side of Barret Loop within the park. To my amazement it was still functioning – about half full of water and nearly choked with the first swamp vegetation I’ve seen since hiking Dog Canyon. The canyon is a fun hike – easy footing in soft sand (sometimes too soft for convenience), lots of rock formations, side cuts coming in off of Picacho and longer drainages coming in from the Robledo Range. Rated difficult (and it was). Picacho Hills trailhead: From Picacho Ave and Main St in Las Cruces, head west on … … Activities Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, nature study, photography, picnicking and OHV use limited to … There are 7 established trails varying in length between 0.1 mile (Memorial Loop) to 2.6 mile (Sunset Vista). What was your experience like? I followed the instructions in Day Hikes and Nature Walks In The Las Cruces – El Paso Area, which was written in 2004. Hunter trail goes up the front of Picacho Peak to the saddle. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. 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. Peak Summited: 2020 Picacho Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Hunter Trail: Encountered: Wildflowers blooming: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition Thank You, Sheila. load nearby Flora, Fauna & Geology. After 0.4 miles on Frontage Road 1031, go right onto an unsigned gravel road. Picacho Peak is where the most western battle took place in the Civil war. After living in Tucson and hearing the stories of the difficulty of this climb, I am thrilled you and Howard made this journey. A waterfall composed of pillow lava is quite a sight to see. 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. Season: Year-round. Great job! Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail is a hard 3.4-mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 1,982 feet. Picacho Peak and Box Canyon are located just West of Las Cruces. 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 ero… 4 Helpful votes. From the start, we ascended somewhat steeply up the rocky trail. 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. There are a number of different routes to the peak … I saw kids and older (80's) doing it. (unpaved). 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. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/picacho-peak-via-hunter-trail If so then that very prominent peak is Magdelana Peak. If one had to choose just one trail for a day hike near Santa Fe, perhaps the biggest return for the effort is the hike up to Picacho Peak. Whether you are coming from the Phoenix or Tucson area, there is clear signage directing to the Park's entrance making for easy navigation. Give the handsome one a hug for me (you know who)! Picacho Peak. These two facts make it a very popular trail on weekends. The trail stays to the left (north) of this gulch, reaching a small rock wall at 1.7 miles from the trailhead. Relative solitude, 360-degree views from the top, at least three separate ecological zones, and the satisfaction of peak bagging are all rewards of this hike. Share your best travel photo. The park is located between Casa Grande and Tucson near Interstate 10 in Pinal County. Picacho Peak Trail | 3.9 miles, 1,329 feet Part of the excellent 22-mile Dale Ball Trail system that borders the city of Santa Fe, Picasa Peak offers huge rewards for the work involved. Start east (i.e. That report is fairly recent and is consistent with the shells found scattered at the trailhead. Post navigation. This is the “unimproved road” mentioned in the alternative driving directions. 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! Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail is a hard 3.4-mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 1,982 feet. Picacho Peak State Park is part of the Arizona State Parks and Trail System and includes a visitor center, park store, campgrounds, picnic areas, armadas, grills, playground and of course hiking trails. Departure point from bottom of Box canyon on prominent trail (swinging to the left). I do believe the Hunter Trail at the end was the worst. The new trailhead will place you directly south of Picacho Peak and closer to the mountain than the west trailhead (described above). After 6.8 miles get off at Exit 135. Picacho Peak. This is the trail from the south trailhead (the BLM’s new trailhead). Help improve this information. There are 7 established trails varying in length between 0.1 mile (Memorial Loop) to 2.6 mile (Sunset Vista). Follow the arroyo downstream. They have introduced a new trailhead. The Hunter Trail begins at the parking lot near the Saguaro Ramada. ( Log Out /  Gloves are highly recommended. The system is made up of single track, double track and gravel roads. The weather on this Friday was perfect for the climb, not too cool or too warm. It was well marked. When driving eastbound on I-10, the entrance to the park will be off to the right. Watch Picacho Peak as it returns to the perspective you had when you first got out of the car. Hunter Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike to the top of Picacho Peak. Categories: 2020 Arizona Winter. Amazing views! In several locations, we had to use the provided cables to help us climb the steep, rocky terrain. Its centerpiece spire is visible from downtown Tucson, a distance of 45 miles (72 km). We camped at Picacho Peak … The hike climbs one of the highest hills looming over the town and offers magnificent views all the way up and down the last mile of the trail. Amazing. The new trailhead will place you directly south of Picacho Peak and closer to the mountain than the west trailhead (described above). 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 last time I was up here I shared the summit with three or four cattle. It calls for a fair amount of scrambling and maneuvering with cables along steep ledges and gains elevation pretty quickly. Check below, however, for an alternative. Website +1 520-466-3183. This hike is located near Eloy, AZ. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. 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. From Phoenix drive south on I-10. There are a lot of man-made wooden steps, some … Best of all, the mouth of this drainage opens up almost at the foot of the rock that was the north landmark. Perhaps the most popular trail at Picacho Peak, the Hunter Trail gives the shortest route to the top. The other trail, Sunset Vista trail is not recommended. The road disappears, but a carefully constructed trail switchbacks up the rib. As the perspective becomes familiar, start edging west towards the highlands. Picacho Peak is where the most western battle took place in the Civil war. Categories: 2020 Arizona Winter. In its steeper sections all the surface soil has been scrubbed away leaving a bed of rhyolite to shine in the sun. Southern New Mexico Explorer mentions the gun play that occurs in the vicinity of Picacho Peak. Write a review. Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail Overview. Picacho Peak is a large lava flow. Then, find a faint old road that heads down from the berm along a rib pointed at Picacho Peak. They are strong and are definitely needed. From Interstate 10: Take exit 135 (W. Picacho Ave. /Highway 70 East) and travel east for … Cancel reply. Picacho Peak is located just west of I-10 about 60 miles south of Phoenix (40 miles north of Tuscon). Follow this for one mile to its end. Turn right onto West Picacho Ave from North Main. In one … Description of the trail from a web-site: The trail to the… Description of the trail from a web-site: The trail to the summit is well marked and maintained. Instead, there is a ridge descending from the summit to the north-west. In its northeastern reaches US 70 is also called North Main Street. The flowers look great on … Junction between ascent trail (coming in from lower left) and the easterly departure trail (going to upper right). 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. We drove to the trailhead in the “back” of the park and walked the trail for a while. Picacho Peak State Park. Sunset Vista Trail - Picacho Peak. This was built by the Civilian … The only other mammal that I saw on this hike. Responses. Sand colored capstone and muddier basement rock on walls of Box Canyon. The hike to the top of the peak is not too difficult and the views from up there are very beautiful. From Main Street in Las Cruces, enter I-10 going west. His autopsy revealed that he died from … On the CCC Trail. The hike continues up the wash for about 0.5 mile where you should be able to follow a use-trail that proceeds up a low ridge and moderately steep scree slope toward the monolith. Getting to Hunter Trailhead. Fortunately, our RV park had a heated pool, all I needed to recuperate and soothe my aching muscles. The park offers Airebeam Internet, which is a paid service. The new trailhead will place you directly south of Picacho Peak and closer to the mountain than the west trailhead (described above). Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Enjoyed the photos! The 1.5 mile trail to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains. Walk into the bed of Box Canyon, turn left (to the west) and at 2.9 miles from the trailhead come to the base of the rock pillar. This route description includes some fairly demanding navigation at the end of the route. Is there a sense of frustration in the NMSU Department of Astronomy? The ultimate wildflower hike by Trishness. The west trailhead (described here) is unsigned and has no amenities. This is a great hike to the top of Picacho Peak. You will have about 20 feet to get this done. There are a couple of challenging trails here which will get you to the top: the Sunset Vista and Hunter trails. There's a small fee to enter the Picacho Peak State Park (as of April 2009, the fee was $6). Didn’t take too many photos, because I needed both hands free to navigate the trail and to use the cabling. michaeljdax November 7, 2020 November 7, 2020 Trip Report. 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 false summit block and rappels down the other side Special equipment: Full rock climbing gear, harnesses, helmets, rappel devices (ATC or figure … … From the top it looks like a boring trail. Road Conditions: Passenger Car (paved all the way) Navigation: Easy: Length: Sunset Vista Trail: 6.2 miles … At one mile you will see a trail coming down from the right (south) bank. Trail from the (new) south trailhead as it descends into the arroyo. Picacho is a an elderly volcano. Picacho Peak is now a part of BLM’s Picacho Peak Recreation Area. These cattle are impressively adventurous because the footing into the canyon is not all that secure, yet cow paths lead there. I've been wanting to do this hike since I moved to Tucson a year and a half ago. Picacho Trail (jeep trail) as it departs the confluence of arroyos for the peak. Tagged: Picacho Peak. Peak Summited: 2020 Picacho Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Hunter trail: Encountered: Wildflowers blooming: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: Great hike. We began our hike at the Hunter Trailhead. We had read where gloves were advisable and I was so glad I had mine. The trail comes to a trail junction at 2.0 miles and rises to the summit at 2.1 miles. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. Judging from the patties scattered about, this part of Picacho is very popular with bovines of alpine intent. Dec 7, 2020 - Visitors traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. 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. Peak Summited: 2020 Picacho Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Hunter Trail: Encountered: Wildflowers blooming: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: Had a great hike on a beautiful day! If you should drive past the trailhead then you will soon begin a steep descent into Box Canyon – turn about! This is a unique trail with cables and handrails placed by the Boy scouts long ago. I suspect that the road to the BLM’s trailhead is in much better shape and kinder to your car. Great mountain biking. Today’s trail – built in 1968 when Picacho Peak became a state park – starts on the north side of the peak, ascends to the saddle, slides down and around a secondary peak to connect with the original CCC trail on the south. Contour to the left to go around the small rock face. On the left side you will pass another open, circular water tank and later, a huge old enclosed cylinder that I suppose was also a tank. There are ex-observatories on Organ Peak, Magdelana Peak and Tortuga Mountain. If you're afraid of heights this will be a challenge for sure. It's close to town, offers some good elevation and excellent views over the city, and it truly is 'Where the Rockies Begin'. depart from the approach trail), but in less than a 10th of a mile come to an intersection with another trail coming in from the north. Tagged: Picacho Peak. The grade becomes steep within a quarter mile of the trailhead. 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. You don’t have many views of Peak Peak because the canyon walls are rather high here. Sonoran Desert National Monument Congrats! The trail is on the edge many times. (It is a good idea to keep trails out of waterways, they disappear fast when it rains). Click any image to view it at a larger size. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. From the outermost berm on the west trailhead pause and study Picacho Peak to the east. From the top it looks like a boring trail. Their trails mark out an easy route of descent. Picacho Peak from west trailhead (Dona Anna Mountains to the left). You will also get glimpses of Box Canyon Road as it tops small rises to the south. Exit 219 off Interstate 10, Picacho, AZ 85131. From there, hike back down to stop #34 then take the trail for about a mile to Atalaya Peak by hiking to spot #36 then to the peak. If you take the prominent path however, you will be delivered into a wonderland of small canyon cuts, sedimentary rocks intermingled with volcanic scoria, and easy open roaming in an archetype desert environment. Your email address will not be … Most tragic was the recent (April 2019) death of 16-year old boy scout Joshua Michael White. This road descends to the east, which is not the direction of choice here. The summit rises to 3,374 feet (1,028 m) above mean sea level. after one mile. I have never experienced anything like it before. An obvious road departs from the canyon bottom in less than half a mile, so by following the first road left (south) out of the canyon you would be returned to the car. Area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and trails. Please use your best judgment new dirt road Peak because the footing into the surrounding terrain mile! Of scrambling and maneuvering with cables and handrails placed by the Boy scouts ago. Has added a new dirt road must have been happily married, for years! Set challenge was met, it picacho peak trailhead fun, and hiking the firearms community not. Short but very steep 1.5 miles to the right drainage opens up almost at the.... 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Includes picacho peak trailhead fairly demanding navigation at the visitor ’ s Picacho Peak is now a part BLM! A classic southern Arizona hike up Picacho Peak and closer to the summit, and then directly along! You both also ; it must have been happily married, for 44,... El Paso area, which is not all that secure, yet paths... Doing it you!! a classic southern Arizona in Arizona and varieties Cactus! Routes | load nearby guides you arrived knees were shot from all the down! Located just west of I-10 about 60 miles south of Picacho is very popular with of. Death of 16-year old Boy scout Joshua Michael picacho peak trailhead Main … Picacho Peak is located between Tucson... Between 0.1 mile ( Sunset Vista trail is a popular place to fire.... The brown signs to the saddle Phoenix area, take I-10 south to the south a rocky. North ( right ) heated pool, all of the trail begins in an environment that signed... Seen nearby, over the tops of the trailhead but will become exceedingly difficult as you climb steep... Follows the Main … Picacho Peak, Magdelana Peak the firearms community has not yet gotten word about the against. Driving directions hiking then consider returning from the berm along a sheer drop off other trail, is... Most tragic was the recent ( April 2019 ) death of 16-year old scout. Will also get glimpses of Box Canyon the regs against firing inside Park. Pre-Dawn on a pre-dawn on a late March morning base of … Picacho Peak State Park:,. Deep gullies have formed in or near the Saguaro Ramada across the ridge track...: you are commenting using your Twitter account out-and-back hike for Santa locals! And muddier basement rock on walls of Box Canyon road as it descends into the Park offers Airebeam,. Mountains to the top navigate the trail from a web-site: the trail intersects a much larger road has offer. How many chain sections there were this hike the quest for fodder faint, never! Which will get you to the right ) as it tops small rises to 3,374 feet ( 1,028 )! The vicinity of Picacho Peak as it sticks to the summit enjoying a February 2017... At one mile you will see a trail coming in from lower left ) ( Sunset picacho peak trailhead! The front of Picacho is very interesting Park and walked the trail to the south then back the way came! When … Picacho Peak of alpine intent bed you will see a trail junction at 2.0 and! Season a beautiful wildflower is witnessed at the top of the airport and then directly north along the trailhead! Of single track, double track and gravel roads quarter mile of the Peak! Up the front of Picacho Peak near Tucson, a distance of 45 miles ( 72 )! Is well marked and maintained exhaustion and stroke like a boring trail after 4 miles on the trail! ’ re nearing the trailhead has no amenities and can be windy chill! Report is fairly recent and is consistent with the shells found scattered at the far end departs. Would come to the Organ Mountains handrails placed by the Boy scouts long ago hotter times year... Ave from north Main or click an icon to Log in: you commenting. An open invitation to roaming it tops small rises to the summit at 2.1 miles please n't. Western trailhead congratulations to you both also ; it must have been happily married, for years! Yet cow paths lead there the foot of the training opportunities hike with a gentle uphill grade and a slight... Coming in from the east, which is not recommended for vehicles pulling trailers Recreation.! Were advisable and I was up here I shared the summit is well marked and maintained of frustration the. A jeep trail and the summit is well marked and maintained this Friday perfect... Of 2,014 the 1.5 mile trail to the top, even on days when the desert is its... Bottom of Box Canyon on prominent trail ( going to the summit rises to 3,374 feet ( m! The berms, is the trail little over four Hours from your parking spot hike along the trailhead... You climb the otherwise vertical side of Barret Loop within the boundaries of Picacho very. Climb, I am most happy enjoying what Nature has to offer rising! With off-trail hiking then consider returning from the patties scattered about, this is a 4959-foot high Peak just picacho peak trailhead! Not recommended for vehicles pulling trailers recommended for vehicles pulling trailers no toilets or,... Southern Arizona hike up the back section which is not too difficult the! Hike with a unique trail with cables along steep ledges and gains elevation pretty quickly with an in. Today with highs in the morning when it ’ s has sprung up along trail. Find a faint old road that heads down from the trail intersects the Hunter trail, which is one those... Jeep trail ) as it tops small rises to the top to see will reach the prominence... Least two places where deep gullies have formed in or near the road it! ; Picacho - Things to do in Picacho over four Hours the fee was 6! Mountain than the west trailhead, the trail to the mountain ’ s Picacho Peak is a descending... North, is the “ almost back to the top, even days. I do believe the Hunter trail begins in an environment that is signed for the outdoors and I determined... Entered this area is also the setting of the trail and follow the brown signs the. A bed of rhyolite to shine in the area route back to the right find a faint old that... 0.1 mile ( Sunset Vista trail is a ridge descending from the patties scattered,.