Visitors traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. Enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind up the peak and, often in the spring, overlook a sea of wildflowers. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area.
The park offers a visitor center with exhibits and a park store, a playground, historical markers, a campground and picnic areas. Many hiking trails traverse the desert landscape and offer hikers both scenic and challenging hikes. Hike prepared and know your limits. Bring plenty of food and water and wear proper footwear. Enjoy the beauty of the desert and the amazing views.
Brochure and Map of Arizona State Parks and Trails. Published by Arizona State Parks & Trails.
Picacho Peak SP
https://azstateparks.com/picacho
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picacho_Peak_State_Park
Visitors traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. Enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind up the peak and, often in the spring, overlook a sea of wildflowers. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area.
The park offers a visitor center with exhibits and a park store, a playground, historical markers, a campground and picnic areas. Many hiking trails traverse the desert landscape and offer hikers both scenic and challenging hikes. Hike prepared and know your limits. Bring plenty of food and water and wear proper footwear. Enjoy the beauty of the desert and the amazing views.
Nearby Parks
Hiking Trails
Park Rules
If you’re having a great time here, don’t forget
to visit one of the three other state parks in the
area!
McFarland State Historic Park (38 miles)
Named after Governor Ernest W. McFarland,
who signed the bill to form Arizona State
Parks & Trails, the building has served as the
county courthouse, sheriff’s office, and jail until
converting to a county hospital. (520) 8685216
Oracle State Park (48 miles) This 4,000acre wildlife refuge is located in the eclectic
town of Oracle in the northern foothills of the
Catalina Mountains. The park offers day-use
picnic areas, over 15 miles of hiking trails,
and intersects with the Arizona Trail. (520)
896-2425
Catalina State Park (36 miles) With miles of
hiking, birding, biking, and equestrian trails
winding through the base of the Santa Catalina
Mountains and the Coronado National Forest,
this park is truly a haven of desert wilderness.
Canyons, pools, and saguaros beckon to
visitors! (520) 628-5798
Hunter Trail: A difficult 1.6-mile trail that
begins on the north side from Barrett Loop and
goes to the top of the peak. The trail climbs a
resistant path typical of the Sonoran desert.
The route is steep and twisting with steel cables
anchored in the rock where the surface is bare.
Gloves are strongly recommended. A difficult
but rewarding hike.
Sunset Vista Trail: A 2.6-mile trail that is
moderate for the first 2 miles, then becomes
steep and difficult as it approaches the junction
where it joins the Hunter Trail. Total distance
from the trailhead to the peak is 3.1 miles.
Trail starts from the westernmost parking area
and travels on the south side of the mountain.
This hike is not recommended during the hot
summer months.
Calloway Trail: A moderate 0.5-mile trail that
leads to an overlook.
Nature Trail: An easy 0.4-mile trail with
interpretive signs.
Children’s Cave Trail: An easy 0.2-mile trail
that leads to a small alcove in the mountain.
General Rules
• Do not litter! “Leave no trace” and pack
out what you bring in, or use the trash
receptacles provided in the park.
• Drive your vehicle only on designated
paved surfaces. Park only in designated
parking areas. Do not park on the side of
the road.
• Stay on designated trails. Cutting trails
degrades habitat and harms the landscape.
• Do not use glass containers in the park.
• All of our parks adhere to firearm and
hunting regulations. Please familiarize
yourself with this information.
Fires
• Keep fires in grills or designated state parks
fire rings. Never leave fires unattended!
• Do not gather firewood in the parks.
Firewood is for sale in most park stores.
• Fireworks are not permitted in state parks.
• Be “fire smart” and check fire restrictions at
azstateparks.com/fire-safety.
Camping
• Campsites are limited to up to six adults and
up to 10 people total. Cabins are limited to
six people total.
• There are designated dump facilities at the
park for your convenience.
• To reserve group campgrounds, please
contact the park directly.
Pets
• Keep your pets on a maximum six-foot
leash at all times. Pets must be attended at
all times.
• Pick up after your pet.
• For additional information related to pets,
visit our website or ask park staff.
Additional Rules
• Drones are not permitted.
• Rock-climbing and base-jumping are not
permitted.
The rules of this park are not
limited to the rules listed above.
Additional park rules may be found at
azstateparks.com.
Established 1957
Picacho Peak State Park
PICACHO PEAK
01/22
Visitors traveling through southern Arizona on
Interstate-10 can’t miss the prominent pointe of
Picacho Peak State Park. The peak has been
used as a landmark by travelers for centuries!
Picacho Peak is also the location of the mostwestern conflict of the Civil War, “The Battle of
Picacho Pass,” a skirmish between Union and
Confederate soldiers. You can learn more at
the Ranger Station and from the interpretive
trail in the park.
Enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind
up the peak. The park and its surrounding
area are known for their unique geological
significance, outstanding and varied desert
growth, and historic significance.
The park includes a visitor center, park store,
campgrounds, picnic areas, ramadas, grills,
hiking trails, and a playground.
Thank you for visiting!
15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141
azstateparks.com/picacho
AZStateParks
Please use caution and carry a map. Those
planning to hike the longer trails should carry
at least two to three quarts of water per person
and wear proper footwear. Please remember
that summer temperatures often exceed 100°
F (38°C).
Group Day-Use Areas
(520) 466-3183 | 1-877-MYPARKS
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Hiking Tips
1-877-MYPARKS | azstateparks.com
Four day-use ramadas are available for your
event. Each ramada has picnic tables and
charcoal grills. Some ramadas have electricity,
and most have restrooms nearby.
To
Phoenix
75mi
120km
Campgrounds
17
24
25
7
6
4
3
2
27
M6
M7
18
5
1
12
