Picacho Peak is one of those mountains you just have to hike! The grade becomes steep within a quarter mile of the trailhead. On Friday, January 4, 2019, while staying at Picacho Peak State Park we climbed to the top of the famous Picacho Peak. Contact. I followed the instructions in Day Hikes and Nature Walks In The Las Cruces – El Paso Area, which was written in 2004. Share. It is worth checking out. Picacho Peak. Please don't post my pages and/or photos to other sites such as Facebook. Fantastic – you guys ROCK! There is a very obvious sign next to the correct trail that says “Hunter Trail To the Top of the Peak”. The trail is on the edge many times. 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. We were surprised by how many chain sections there were. We have a beautiful day here today with highs in the 50’s. Still hard, but fun! 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. There are several hiking trails in the park, including the very challenging Picacho Peak summit. From here it would make sense to simply return the way you came. Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail. There are a lot of man-made wooden steps, some … It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. The trail we are interested in is the Hunter Trail. Save. Hike The first section takes you up steep switchbacks to the saddle. The distance to the top is 2.7 miles with an increase in elevation of 2,014. United States ; Arizona (AZ) Picacho ; Picacho - Things to Do ; Picacho Peak State Park; Search. Junction between ascent trail (coming in from lower left) and the easterly departure trail (going to upper right). It looks as though the firearms community has not yet gotten word about the regs against firing inside the park. From your parking spot hike along the faint road until it dead ends at a firepit/campsite. Picacho Peak State Park boasts multiple trails, but the most popular is likely the Hunter's Trail. Was. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. This terrain is so open, however, that it constitutes an open invitation to roaming. Marana, AZ. You might think that something called Peak Peak would be pretty intimidating. Yes, it was a fun one. Trail from the (new) south trailhead as it descends into the arroyo. To get there they advise using US 70 as it … Next time I’m going to the south trailhead. Cancel reply. Date of experience: October 2017. Beautiful, old Saguaro Cactus as far as the eye could see. Your email address will not be … Your task, upon hitting US 70 will be to leap into the passing lane and turn immediately left onto the median strip (paved). Is there a sense of frustration in the NMSU Department of Astronomy? It was a challenge and difficulty. 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. If you look down into the canyon bed you will see a distinctive pillar of rock. 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. ( Log Out /  If you have a four wheel drive vehicle, you may be able to drive to this location. After 3.0 miles (from Frontage Road 1031) turn right onto a wide gravel pad with prominent gravel berms at the far end. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. You will have about 20 feet to get this done. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. 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. Road Conditions: Passenger Car (paved all the way) Navigation: Easy: Length: Sunset Vista Trail: 6.2 miles … Skye, enjoying a February, 2017 snow storm. 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. … Tagged: Picacho Peak. If you liked Picacho's views, Atalaya is almost 600' higher and offers even more limitless views of the valley and mountains below. February through early April offers the best rewards. This area is also the setting of the only Civil War battle fought in Arizona. Picacho Hills trailhead: From Picacho Ave and Main St in Las Cruces, head west on … After living in Tucson and hearing the stories of the difficulty of this climb, I am thrilled you and Howard made this journey. Mountain Biking Picacho Peak Recreation Area Add a review #208 of 280 mountain bike trails in New Mexico #10942 in the world. The distance to the top is 2.7 miles with an increase in elevation of 2,014. That tells you you’re nearing the trailhead. I enjoy hiking, but never have done one such as this. 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. Turn right onto West Picacho Ave from North Main. There are a number of different routes to the peak … Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail. Follow this road up to the Hunter Trail trailhead and park. Peak Summited: 2020 Picacho Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Main: Encountered: Wildflowers blooming: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: Third time on this. Actually, if you divert just slightly to the east (right) you will find an huge old circular water tank. This faint trail switchbacks in a mannerly fashion, descending towards and eventually beside a large rocky outcrop. Sunset Vista Trail - Picacho Peak. Its centerpiece spire is visible from downtown Tucson, a distance of 45 miles (72 km). 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). It at a firepit/campsite services, a single black cow season a beautiful wildflower is witnessed at the beginning the! 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