A Guide to Hiking Picacho Peak by Joseph A. Mootz

Picacho Peak is a 1300 foot tall eroded lava flow conveniently located along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson in the state of Arizona. There is much history associated with the peak, including its use as a landmark by Native Americans and early European explorers and the site of the most significant Civil War battle in Arizona.

The main attractions of the peak for passersby are the two trails to the top. From a distance, the jagged cliffs of the saddle-shaped mountain look unassailable. Fortunately the Arizona State Parks Department maintains two well-designed trails for avid hikers.

Regardless of which trail you take you will want to bring plenty of water and hike during the cooler months. A few years ago a young couple died of dehydration while hiking the peak during the heat of summer with an inadequate supply of water. The incident was an accident, but an interesting novel called Picacho Peak Mystery by Joseph A. Mootz is available with fictional murder mystery inspired by the incident.

The two trails to the top include:

1. Hunter Trail

a. 2.0 miles

b. Rated difficult due to steep climb through desert to cliff base and then difficult climbs up cliffs with aid of permanently installed cable rails.

c. Starts on north side of mountain then drops down south side at saddle before ascending cliffs.

d. Depending on the hiker's condition and ability, the hike should take between two to four hours.

2. Sunset Vista Trail

a. 3.1 miles

b. Rated moderate for first two miles through desert washes and ridges to cliff base. Final mile is rated difficult due to climbs up cliffs with aid of permanently installed cable rails.

a. Starts on west side of mountain through desert terrain before ascending cliffs.

b. Depending on the hiker's condition and ability, the hike should take between two and a half to four hours.

Hunter Trail is a favorite with experienced hikers. The first section of this trail is a relatively steep grade over sandy soil through a typical Sonora desert area filled with Saguaro and Barrel cacti, Palo Verde and Mesquite trees, and Creosote bushes. This section takes you to the base of the sheer cliffs that give the peak its distinctive shape. You will want to take your time hiking this section as it is the most strenuous on the legs. If you start early in the morning, parts of this section will still be shaded from the sun by the shadow of the peak.

The second section of Hunter Trail includes a relatively flat portion that runs along the base of the cliffs to the saddle of the mountain. It also includes a relatively steep drop of five hundred feet down the other side of the mountain. This drop is carved right into the side of the cliffs with cables for hand holds and wooden stair steps in some sections. The trip down is easy, but be prepared to take your time and save some water for the climb on the way back.

The third section of Hunter Trail includes a relatively flat portion along the base of the cliffs on the south side of the mountain. The rest of this section includes climbing up the face of and walking along the edge of steep rocky cliffs with the aid of steel cables. This section is probably the most fun and makes the trip to the top seem like an extraordinary accomplishment.

Sunset Vista Trail joins Hunter Trail about halfway through section three on the north side of the mountain. The trail leading up to that point starts on the western end of the mountain and is rated at a moderate level of difficulty. This portion of the trail travels over many washes and ridges through the Sonoran Desert. This is a good hike in itself for those who may wish to forgo scaling the cliffs to the top.

When to go: The Southern Arizona desert is hot and dry year-round. The best time of the year to visit is from late Fall through early Spring.

What to bring:

ü Good hiking boots or shoes.

ü Two liters of water per person.

ü Long pants, long sleeved shirt, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the sun.

ü A camera for the spectacular views of the desert and plant life.

ü Gloves for climbing the cables.

Available Services:

ü 100 campsites, many with electrical hookups.

ü 6 day-use areas with picnic tables and concrete ramadas.

ü Water and restrooms in the campground and day-use areas.

ü Children's Cave Trail for children to explore.

How to get there: Take the Picacho Peak State Park exit (exit 212) off of Interstate 10 about sixty miles south of Phoenix and forty miles north of Tucson.

The importance of bringing enough water cannot be stressed enough. The novel Picacho Peak Mystery by Joseph A. Mootz describes just how easy it is to underestimate the dryness of the desert air and its effect on the human body during strenuous exercise. However, many hundreds of travelers stop by the peak on their way by on the highway and hike to the top without incident.

The variety of the landscape, views of the surrounding desert, and variety of the twists, turns and climbs of the trail make this a must-hike for anyone passing through Arizona.