Picacho Peak State Park

Seasonal Closure

Picacho Peak SP's seasonal closure will be May 24, 2013 until Sept. 13, 2013. The Park will re-open September 14, 2013.

Civil War in the Southwest

Thanks to all of the re-enactors, vendors, and volunteers for making this another great year for Civil War in the Southwest! Photo gallery coming soon!

Cannon Donation

Ken Sprik, Cannonworks of Mesa, AZ donated a historically accurate 1:1 replica of a Civil War era 12-pounder Mountain Howitzer and limber to Picacho Peak State Park. Ken’s extended family as well as several Re-Enactors and park volunteers attended the ceremony during which park staff presented Ken with a Certificate of Appreciation. Cannons of this type were part of the Union forces artillery in the region, but none were utilized during the actual skirmish at Picacho Pass. The replica cannon is mounted on permanent display at the Park’s Memorial Loop interpretive area. The limber will be added to the display soon.

Picacho Peak Now Offers 24/7 Online Campground Reservations!

Reserve a campground RV or tent site from the comfort of your home, anytime of day. Make online reservations Site reservations for this park are also available by calling the Reservation Center at (520) 586-2283. You can call 7 days a week, from 8 am to 5 pm MST. There is a $5 non-refundable reservation fee per site. Groups reservations can be made for the fall, winter, and spring months by calling the park.

About the Park

Enjoy hiking and camping at Picacho Peak State Park. In April 2012, park staff took this picture of blooming Palo Verde and a flowering Saguaro, with Picacho Peak in the background. The park offers online campsite reservations.

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 facilities include a visitor center with exhibits and a gift store, hiking trails, playground, historical markers, campground, picnic areas, ramadas, grills, dump station, restrooms, and showers. The group use areas, for day & overnight use, are available by reservation. Before you hike, be prepared with enough water and proper footwear as the trails are steep and challenging.

LEED Certified Visitor Center

The Picacho Peak State Park Visitor Center has been open 3 years! The Visitor Center has public restrooms, a gift shop, plus vending machines with energy drinks and snacks. Hours vary, but are typically 8 am to 5 pm. The building is currently in the LEED Certified "Gold". Photo: Members of the Arizona State Parks Board, executive staff, and park staff at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Visitor Center, in October 2009.

Civil War Re-Enactment Video

After you start the video, change resolution to 480 for High Quality.
Check out the photo gallery from the 2010 event.

Hunter Trail Wins "Best of Phoenix" Winter Hike

Best of Phoenix This annual publication in Phoenix is a go-to guide of what's cool and fun to do. This year's issue has a Science theme. The Hunter Trail at Picacho Peak SP won the Best Winter Hike: "Besides the decent camping facilities and yearly Civil War battle re-enactment at the site, Picacho's premier attraction is the spectacular Hunter Trail, which goes up to the precipitous summit. It's a four-mile-round-trip butt-kicker, harkening to the likes of Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. Steel cables and planks help nervous hikers overcome the steepest parts, and the 360-degree view at the top of the surrounding desert and nearby mountains is well worth the effort."