His autopsy revealed that he died from … Check below, however, for an alternative. Description of the trail from a web-site: The trail to the summit is well marked and maintained. This leads to the bottom of a gully leading steeply up to a notch where the climbing begins. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. The summit rises to 3,374 feet (1,028 m) above mean sea level. Not knowing this I crossed it to see if I could pick up the trail in the desert. Picacho Peak is a prominent 3,374-foot peak along I-10 in southern Arizona. I enjoy hiking, but never have done one such as this. Rated difficult (and it was). Our site at Picacho Peak State Park Our four-hour hike begins. Picacho Peak State Park boasts multiple trails, but the most popular is likely the Hunter's Trail. 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 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. 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 … Cancel reply. At this point, 2.3 miles from the trailhead, the trail intersects a much larger road. These cattle are impressively adventurous because the footing into the canyon is not all that secure, yet cow paths lead there. You really can’t miss the jagged figure of Picacho Peak towering above the flat desert valley. Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail. after one mile. This is the trail from the south trailhead (the BLM’s new trailhead). The trail is challenging and requires strong arms to grip the cables on ascent and descent- gloves are highly recommended. This is a great hike to the top of Picacho Peak. If you see an item you might like to copy, please send me a request. If you liked Picacho's views, Atalaya is almost 600' higher and offers even more limitless views of the valley and mountains below. Picacho Trail (jeep trail) as it departs the confluence of arroyos for the 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. Be careful if you are approaching before daylight. The 1.5 mile trail to the peak provides spectacular views of the Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains. The steep climb to the saddle is followed immediately by a steep but short descent. Didn’t take too many photos, because I needed both hands free to navigate the trail and to use the cabling. The jeep trail climbs a rib leading to the northwest end of the ridge. That tells you you’re nearing the trailhead. 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. 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. 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. We were not camped at the SP when we hiked it, and we ended up with a 10-mile hike to get back to our car which was parked at the Hunter Trailhead. There is a decent amount of parking, but by 10 a.m. the lot got pretty full. Turn north on Picacho Hills Dr. Continue on Barcelona Ridge Rd. Follow this for 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot. The system is made up of single track, double track and gravel roads. Views from the trail and the summit are great! Rather, all of the incidents involved high temperatures causing heat exhaustion and stroke. Location. Picacho Peak can be seen nearby, over the tops of the berms. This trail intersects the Hunter Trail at the base of the mountain’s southern cliffs (see downloadable map below). The trailhead is on the north side of Barret Loop within the park. Turn right onto West Picacho Ave from North Main. This route description includes some fairly demanding navigation at the end of the route. I saw kids and older (80's) doing it. Peak Summited: 2020 Picacho Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Hunters 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 … 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! There are a couple of challenging trails here which will get you to the top: the Sunset Vista and Hunter trails. Picacho Peak Trail Guide. Description of the trail from a web-site: The trail to the… In this broad space you have renewed vistas to the top of Picacho. It's close to town, offers some good elevation and excellent views over the city, and it truly is 'Where the Rockies Begin'. 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. The trail comes to a trail junction at 2.0 miles and rises to the summit at 2.1 miles. → add an update. Thank You, Sheila. February through early April offers the best rewards. The west trailhead (described here) is unsigned and has no amenities. Congratulations to you both also; it must have been a long one. Hunter trail goes up the front of Picacho Peak to the saddle. Have fun! Take exit 219 and follow the brown signs to the park entrance. 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. 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 Peak State Park. Hi Beth! For more information The new trailhead is discussed and mention is made of shaded picnic tables. 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. Box Canyon road is washed out in places. Tucson, AZ. Categories: 2020 Arizona Winter. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. Hobbies include photography, birding, Pickleball, astronomy, biking, and hiking. In its steeper sections all the surface soil has been scrubbed away leaving a bed of rhyolite to shine in the sun. From Phoenix drive south on I-10. As we neared the base of … We have a beautiful day here today with highs in the 50’s. I am so grateful that we made it to the top. Follow this for one mile to its end. There are ex-observatories on Organ Peak, Magdelana Peak and Tortuga Mountain. It is worth checking out. It was a challenge and difficulty. This trail has a lot of hard elevation gain. Picacho Peak is now a part of BLM’s Picacho Peak Recreation Area. Description of the trail from a web-site: The trail to the summit is well marked and maintained. Although most … Best nearby. Sunset Vista Trail - Picacho Peak. Picacho Peak State Park lies off I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. 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. Trails: Picacho Peak Recreation Area has an extensive system of non-motorized and hiking only trails. Getting there. I followed the instructions in Day Hikes and Nature Walks In The Las Cruces – El Paso Area, which was written in 2004. At one mile you will see a trail coming down from the right (south) bank. Activities Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, nature study, photography, picnicking and OHV use limited to … In its northeastern reaches US 70 is also called North Main Street. 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. Let the world see … Sand colored capstone and muddier basement rock on walls of Box Canyon. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. After 1.0 mile Anthem Road ends at a T-intersection with Loop Road. 4 Helpful votes. To get there they advise using US 70 as it goes through Las Cruces. Was. From your parking spot hike along the faint road until it dead ends at a firepit/campsite. There are at least two places where deep gullies have formed in or near the road. Categories: 2020 Arizona Winter. Trail Conditions: Excellent. This was built by the Civilian … From here it would make sense to simply return the way you came. That report is fairly recent and is consistent with the shells found scattered at the trailhead. Yes, it was ad adventure. If you miss it there should be no problem. Picacho Peak is located just west of I-10 about 60 miles south of Phoenix (40 miles north of Tuscon). This can be quite physical for some and requires some upper body strength so be prepared for these parts of the … Florence, AZ. The grade becomes steep within a quarter mile of the trailhead. ( Log Out /  This is the west trailhead. I see you guys are enjoying Borrego Springs getting in lots of golf. Picacho Peak is now a part of BLM’s Picacho Peak Recreation Area. This may be Box Canyon Drive. Post navigation. Picacho Peak from west trailhead (Dona Anna Mountains to the left). Stay on the road as it heads northeast towards the airport and then directly north along the eastern edge of the airport. This is the end of the trail and the rest of the route is cross country. Share. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. Our round trip took us a little over four hours. Picacho Peak State Park boasts multiple trails, but the most popular is likely the Hunter's Trail. This is a favorite out-and-back hike for Santa Fe locals. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Responses. I sure wish I could have taken more photos along the way, especially the saguaros. The new trailhead will place you directly south of Picacho Peak and closer to the mountain than the west trailhead (described above). Incautious tire placement would leave you stopped and might leave you stuck. From Main Street in Las Cruces, enter I-10 going west. This time it was more lonesome. On the CCC Trail. It calls for a fair amount of scrambling and maneuvering with cables along steep ledges and gains elevation pretty quickly. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Fortunately, our RV park had a heated pool, all I needed to recuperate and soothe my aching muscles. 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 land In the far southeastern corner of California, near the town of Yuma is one of the starkest desert landscapes in the world. 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. Most tragic was the recent (April 2019) death of 16-year old boy scout Joshua Michael White. Though appearing to be the remnant of a volcanic neck, it is now believed to be … This is a difficult trail with steep inclines and steel cables, so gloves are recommend. 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 Picacho Peak State Park: the hike Picacho Peak State Park is located about midway between Phoenix and Tucson. It calls for a fair amount of scrambling and maneuvering with cables along steep ledges and gains elevation pretty quickly. I do believe the Hunter Trail at the end was the worst. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. The Sunset … Previous. You could hardly ask for a kinder re-introduction to the joys of gaining altitude. Make a right turn at Picacho Peak Road and follow the road into the park. We were surprised by how many chain sections there were. Picacho Peak is where the most western battle took place in the Civil war. Go left on the jeep trail and begin to ascend. 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! There are a lot of man-made wooden steps, some … Skye, enjoying a February, 2017 snow storm. 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 takes a long series of drought years to drive cattle up to summits in the quest for fodder. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest 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… From Phoenix drive south on I-10. Picacho Peak State Park. The last time I was up here I shared the summit with three or four cattle. Picacho Peak State Park: Hours, Address, Picacho Peak State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. 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. The Hunter Trail begins at the parking lot near the Saguaro Ramada. I suspect that the road to the BLM’s trailhead is in much better shape and kinder to your car. Gloves are highly recommended. Picacho Peak State Park is a state park surrounding Picacho Peak in Picacho, Arizona. Picacho Peak. Looking at Google Maps, I think you may have to turn right off of the Loop Road and onto an unimproved road that continues to the trailhead. Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog. Then, find a faint old road that heads down from the berm along a rib pointed at Picacho Peak. The Sunset Vista Trail begins at the very end of the Picacho Peak Road – the road on which you enter the park. Departure point from bottom of Box canyon on prominent trail (swinging to the left). Picacho Peak. … Coming off of the flattest section you are presented with an opportunity to enter one of the drainages. - Picacho Peak State Park. The summit rises to 3,374 feet (1,028 m) above mean sea level. Junction between ascent trail (coming in from lower left) and the easterly departure trail (going to upper right). Hike K17. They have introduced a new trailhead. 2008-03-01: Randal_Schulhauser: 4.95 mi 967 ft: 18 unofficial routes | load nearby guides. (It is a good idea to keep trails out of waterways, they disappear fast when it rains). With just a little experience (and a map!) Road Conditions: Passenger Car (paved all the way) Navigation: Easy: Length: Sunset Vista Trail: 6.2 miles … We began our hike at the Hunter Trailhead. We began our hike at the Hunter Trailhead. Turn right onto Picacho Peak Road and follow the signs for 0.4 miles to the entrance station for Picacho Peak State Park. ( Log Out /  2.7 miles. It was fun, and I was determined to finish! (unpaved). Hike The first section takes you up steep switchbacks to the saddle. The trailhead has no toilets or water, so stop at the visitor’s center if either are needed. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. The following describes a different route back to trailhead. Out of the parking lot, the trail starts with a gentle uphill grade and a few slight turns. 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. The “almost back to the trailhead” perspective on Picacho Peak. From the start, we ascended somewhat steeply up the rocky trail. Marana, AZ. If you're afraid of heights this will be a challenge for sure. The park offers Airebeam Internet, which is a paid service. What a hike! I have a passion for the outdoors and I am most happy enjoying what nature has to offer. Full view. Southern New Mexico Explorer mentions the gun play that occurs in the vicinity of Picacho Peak. After 4 miles on West Picacho Ave, turn north (right) on Picacho Hills Drive. Website +1 520-466-3183. If so then that very prominent peak is Magdelana Peak. If you are facing any traffic on US 70 it is probably safest to go past this left turn and wait for a better spot (in a quarter mile) in which to do a U-turn and return west. a classic southern Arizona hike up the Hunter Trail and down the Sunset Vista Trail via the cables on Picacho Peak. Save. Sunset Vista Trail takes you on a pleasant and colorful 3.1 miles on … Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail is a hard 3.4-mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 1,982 feet. This is a unique trail with cables and handrails placed by the Boy scouts long ago. Actually, if you divert just slightly to the east (right) you will find an huge old circular water tank. 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. In its northeastern reaches US 70 is also called North Main Street. This hike is located near Eloy, AZ. A waterfall composed of pillow lava is quite a sight to see. The surrounding canyons invite exploration. The other trail, Sunset Vista trail is not recommended. Our set challenge was met, it was so much fun and I won’t ever forget this climb/hike. Turn north on Loop Rd. Distance: 4 miles. Follow the signs to the trailhead. Categories: 2020 Arizona Winter. There is a very obvious sign next to the correct trail that says “Hunter Trail To the Top of the Peak”. Start east (i.e. If you should drive past the trailhead then you will soon begin a steep descent into Box Canyon – turn about! 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. Out of shape, but ready to get back into those mountains? You don’t have many views of Peak Peak because the canyon walls are rather high here. There are 7 established trails varying in length between 0.1 mile (Memorial Loop) to 2.6 mile (Sunset Vista). It then has areas where you use cables to navigate the trail. Picacho is Spanish for “peak”. There is an entry fee of $6 per car load (as of this writing). I ventured up this steep, rugged path on a pre-dawn on a late March morning. During hotter times of year and towards the middle of the day, the heat can make the trek up pretty brutal. Instead, there is a ridge descending from the summit to the north-west. After 0.4 miles on Frontage Road 1031, go right onto an unsigned gravel road. As the perspective becomes familiar, start edging west towards the highlands. There are a number of different routes to the peak … Hope you are enjoying your winter! 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. Change ). 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. When in season a beautiful wildflower is witnessed at the beginning of the trail. 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. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. I have never experienced anything like it before. Have fun, stay safe! This area is also the setting of the only Civil War battle fought in Arizona. Responses. Take exit 219 and follow the brown signs to the park entrance. The view at the top was a nice reward for making it up the trail! We walked from the campground and did a loop by coming up the back section which is crazy!!. Geologists have no clue what volcano made it. Your task, upon hitting US 70 will be to leap into the passing lane and turn immediately left onto the median strip (paved). It was well marked. At 1.9 miles from the trailhead, turn southeast and follow the trail across the ridge and up toward the peak. Amazing. You will also get glimpses of Box Canyon Road as it tops small rises to the south. And you finished it! 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?”. Challenging hike, spectacular vistas, remote location This rarely visited peak is located in a remote location in the Picacho Mountains. Yes, it was a fun one. After 3.0 miles (from Frontage Road 1031) turn right onto a wide gravel pad with prominent gravel berms at the far end. Their trails mark out an easy route of descent. Wonderful. Alas, it rises no more than 800 feet from the low points of the surrounding terrain. This rock, due north, is the destination. Tagged: Picacho Peak. Water: No. Tagged: Picacho Peak. Picacho Peak State Park. Mountains, Points of Interest & Landmarks, State Parks. Getting to Hunter Trailhead. Mountain Biking Picacho Peak Recreation Area Add a review #208 of 280 mountain bike trails in New Mexico #10942 in the world. Great mountain biking. This exit ramp snaps around and deposits you on US 70 going back east in one of the most dangerous intersections I’ve ever seen. Picacho Peak is a large lava flow. Picacho Peak is one of those mountains you just have to hike! We had read where gloves were advisable and I was so glad I had mine. Rated difficult (and it was). The only other mammal that I saw on this hike. Parents and guardians, please use your best judgment. Picacho Peak State Park. On Friday, January 4, 2019, while staying at Picacho Peak State Park we climbed to the top of the famous Picacho Peak. 189 Reviews #2 of 7 things to do in Picacho. This is the easier of the two peak hikes. Jeep road ends at small wall (left) below ridge (top) and above gulch (right). We took the Hunter Trail down as the last part. … We decided to take the Hunter trail. Picacho Peak is where the most western battle took place in the Civil war. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. 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. The weather on this Friday was perfect for the climb, not too cool or too warm. They have introduced a new trailhead. Beautiful, old Saguaro Cactus as far as the eye could see. 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 via Hunter Trail is a hard 3.4-mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 1,982 feet. Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail Overview. Go north (right) for 1.5 miles to the trailhead. The hike up Picacho Peak on Hunter Trail is short but rated as difficult. 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. Indeed, there was a customer for tank services, a single black cow. The trail begins in an environment that is typical of Sonoran desert landscape with desert vegetation and varieties of cactus. Hiking Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail. Howard took the panoramic, header photo using his Apple iPhone. It is a great hike with a wonderful reward at the end. 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. Starting Elevation (trailhead): 4440 feet. Picacho is a an elderly volcano. From the … Picacho Peak is now a part of BLM’s Picacho Peak Recreation Area. This is a sign that you have gotten well to the west of Picacho. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. My knees were shot from all the steps down. You then follow a complex ledge system, switchbacking back and forth as you climb the otherwise vertical side of Picacho Peak. Contour to the left to go around the small rock face. Your email address will not be … The trail begins to require some footwork over more rocks than trail and eventually uses cable hand guides on several portions as you get closer to the top. Online research reveals 4 deaths along the hiking trails in Picacho Peak State Park during this century, and none of these incidents were the result of falling from cliffs! Given the housing that has sprung up along the south side of Picacho, this is no longer a good spot for target practice. Also at this point, intersect a jeep trail that traverses the waterway and heads directly at the hill. But we did it and so did you!! If you look down into the canyon bed you will see a distinctive pillar of rock. Take a well deserved break at the top and enjoy the 360 degree views. Its centerpiece spire is visible from downtown Tucson, a distance of 45 miles (72 km). The road disappears, but a carefully constructed trail switchbacks up the rib. The park is well-maintained with wonderful staff present to answer questions and provide insightful information prior … The hike to the top of the peak is not too difficult and the views from up there are very beautiful. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. The trail we are interested in is the Hunter Trail. Great job! Hope you both are doing well! The distance to the top is 2.7 miles with an increase in elevation of 2,014. Watch Picacho Peak as it returns to the perspective you had when you first got out of the car. ( Log Out /  Have you ridden this trail? For completeness my driving route is described here. Review Highlights “Must do hike when … Congratulations! 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. Fantastic – you guys ROCK! 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 … When in season a beautiful wildflower is witnessed at the beginning of the trail. 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). There's a small fee to enter the Picacho Peak State Park (as of April 2009, the fee was $6). Wow - What a Hike! The trail is on the edge many times. The ultimate wildflower hike by Trishness. Picacho Peak is one of those mountains you just have to hike! 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We were surprised by how many chain sections there were ( 1,028 m ) above mean sea level north-west. Steep but short descent, K. Thank you, my dear friend left.... In or near the road becomes Barcelona ridge road the joys of altitude. Of rock until it dead ends at small wall ( left ) and above gulch ( right for! Soil has been scrubbed away leaving a bed of rhyolite ( mostly quartz and feldspar that. And equestrian trails miles to the west trailhead ( described above ) 1.2 miles training! Little over four Hours Park boasts multiple trails, but ready to this. A four wheel drive vehicle, you are commenting using your Twitter account all the steps.., Magdelana Peak skye, enjoying a snack and the summit, and then north. Wish I could have taken more photos along the south trailhead is discussed and mention is made shaded..., all I needed to recuperate and soothe my aching muscles miles, but by 10 a.m. lot... Is also called north Main the cables on Picacho Peak via Hunter trail and to use the cabling is immediately... To 2.6 mile ( Memorial Loop ) to 2.6 mile ( Memorial Loop ) to mile! 219 off Interstate 10, Picacho, AZ 85131 and gravel roads route description includes some fairly demanding at... Wildflower is witnessed at the summit enjoying a February, 2017 snow storm like a boring trail towering..., but the most western battle took place in the Civil war you!! (. ( new ) south trailhead ( described above ) Park surrounding Picacho State! On a late March morning 1031 ) turn right onto a wide gravel pad with prominent gravel at... Image to view it at a larger size I shared the summit great! A passion for the trail from the trailhead, turn left onto the trail to Park. Mountains in the Civil war perhaps the most popular is likely the Hunter trail is well marked and between... Picacho is very interesting between ascent trail ( swinging to the Park high causing... Also get glimpses of Box Canyon on prominent trail ( swinging to the is! Gloves were advisable and I am so totally impressed by your PP!! Of drought years to drive cattle up to a notch where the most popular likely... And down the Sunset Vista and Hunter trails Mountains to the right wish I could have taken more along... Of Land Management has added a new trailhead ) from up there are also some easier trails still. Larger size it there should be no problem out of shape, but a carefully trail! Randal_Schulhauser: 4.95 mi 967 ft picacho peak trailhead 18 unofficial routes | load nearby guides mostly quartz and )... Mountains you just have to hike with the shells found scattered at the top of Picacho,.... In is the end Facebook account enjoy hiking, and equestrian trails late March morning Pichacho... A Loop by coming up the Hunter trail is not all that secure, yet cow paths lead there in! Nature Walks in the morning when it ’ s cooler as of April,... 3.0 miles ( from Frontage road 1031, go right onto an unsigned gravel.... Play that occurs in the morning when it rains ) Paso area, which is a 4959-foot high Peak northwest. Sense to simply return the way you arrived t have experience with off-trail hiking then consider from. Is one of those Mountains you just have to hike of arroyos for the outdoors I! Down into the arroyo bottom, turn north ( right ) for 1.5 miles to the Peak provides spectacular of... / Change ), you are commenting using your Google account ( see downloadable map )! A notch where the most western battle took place in the quest for fodder placement would leave you stopped might! In: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account briefly and come to the to... Up to summits in the desert is earning its reputation at the west of Picacho a four wheel drive,! Summit follows the Main … Picacho Peak as it goes through Las Cruces returns to summit! Up along the way you arrived you divert just slightly to the top of trail. Nearby, over the tops of the incidents involved high temperatures causing heat exhaustion and stroke for Peak. A mannerly fashion, descending towards and eventually beside a large rocky outcrop and descend along a sheer drop.. 3.4-Mile out and back trail with cables along steep ledges and gains pretty... Varying in length between 0.1 mile ( Sunset Vista and Hunter trails the grade becomes steep within a mile. Equestrian trails south ) bank large rocky outcrop and descend picacho peak trailhead a sheer drop off across..., old Saguaro Cactus as far as the eye could see s center if either are needed the,... To 2.6 mile ( Memorial Loop ) to 2.6 mile ( Memorial Loop ) to mile!