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 Reporter |
Summary: You will enjoy a short strenuous hike to the summit of this isolated desert peak. From the start the trail gradually gains elevation until you reach the main saddle just below the summit buttress; once at the saddle, the fun begins. Expect short steep sections requiring hand-over-hand climbing aided by steal cables and handrails. When you arrive at the summit you will be rewarded with 360 degrees of breathtaking views of the surrounding Sonoran desert. Picacho Peak has been use as a navigational landmark for hundreds of years, was the site of Arizona's only Civil War battle, is a geographic spectacle, and it abounds with petroglyph from prehistoric Hohokams. Trailhead: From Tucson, follow I-10 north for about 50 miles to the Picacho Peak State Park exit. The trailhead is located at on southwest end of Barret Loop. (Lat:32.64258 Lon:-111.40297) Trail Guides for Picacho Peak: Hunter Trail: Hiking Arizona by Bruce Grubbs and Stewart Aitchision (The Globe Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Picacho Peak State Park Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by David on 3/22/2008 Have hiked Hunter Trail twice in four years, first with my Dad, and this year I brought my son from College Spring break. We had a great trip again to the saddle, though Dad is 73 and a cancer survivor. Would advise like others say bring leather gloves, a water bottle each, and try it during the Spring, Fall, or Winter months. We are from the flat lands of Nebraska and can say that you may want to get in shape for the climb up and down both sides, so you can enjoy the views of the valley from 2,960 feet. Also a good idea if you go down the back side try to park your ride over at Sunset Vista Trail Head, for it is almost another two miles back to Hunter Trail by paved road. Enjoy and thanks to all who maintain the trails in the Park. 
Reviewed by Chris on 11/23/2007 My absolute favorite hike everytime I visit Tucson. Short, sweet, convenient. I hiked this peak for the third time on Thanksgiving morning. I started the timer from the first step from the parking lot and peaked in 51 minutes. Round trip was less than 2 hours...I just tagged the top then headed down. Great hike and workout. Make sure you bring six bucks for an entry fee into the state park. I don't recommend young ones due to there are a few sketchy areas after the saddle.
Reviewed by Lisa on 10/21/2007 Amazing hike. The first mile is pretty much just straight up and not too interesting. Then after you turn the corner, the trail goes straight down and back up through cables and ropes. Awesome :). Bring thick gloves and leather. We even saw a 3yr old and a 5 yr old do it... though their dad carried them through some of the difficult parts. (not encouraged).
Reviewed by George & JC on 10/11/2007 What a great climb!! Autumn makes for a clear and picturesque view from the top. You definately need to be in shape but not necessarily an expert - this was JC's first climb and he made it up without a problem. two absolute musts - PLENTY of water and GLOVES - we used simple batting gloves, but everyone we saw on the climb without gloves wished they had brought them. If you're visiting Phoenix - a great day trip! Start early though, and give yourself 3-5 hours for the hike.
Reviewed by Wayne on 3/22/2007 My daughter and I are returning to climb the peak at the end of March. She and I climbed it when she was 8 and she had no trouble with it (she is a caver, so she is used to rock scrambling). She is 15 now and doesn't remember a lot about the hike except the lizards on the way down as we approached the saddle. They were sunning themselves in the after sunlight and scurried when she walked along the trail. She said she could do without the lizards. We are bringing plenty of water, having gone through the 2 liters each last time. It's a great hike.
Reviewed by bjc on 2/17/2007 A wonderful climb to the tip top of a very prominent local landmark and the site of what is claimed to be the westernmost skirmish of the civil war: the "battle" of Picacho Peak. There is an annual Civil War reenactment at the park. You can recognize the veteran, repeat hikers on the trail, because they are wearing or carrying gloves for the cable assisted portions of the hike (there are several cabled sections and light gloves will save you from getting blisters on the palms of your hands on the way down).
Reviewed by Mark on 1/19/2007 Wonderful hike! There's a lot of scrambling that requires a moderate amount of arm strength but should be easily achievable by kids as young as 10 (my nine year old enjoyed it). We climbed in December, 2006, and took one liter of water per person. It was unusually chilly, and I take MUCH more water in the warmer months. It's neat to note the geologic change from the lava flow lower down to the granite at the top. Best thing it that it's close to the interstate, so you can get there fast and can't get lost trying to find it. 
Reviewed by bernie on 10/31/2006 I did Picacho in March. I should have taken more water..live and learn. Not too tough...good upper body workout of short duration. The views from the top are spectacular. When I got down I headed for the Dairy Queen across I 10 for a milk shake. All in all, a nice way to spend a morning. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||