Programs & Events
Picacho Peak State Park
Guided Hike on the Calloway Trail
3rd Saturday of each month (October-April) 10 a.m.
Join our park guide as you trek the Calloway Trail at Picacho Peak! Learn about hiking safety as you enjoy the surroundings up to the Calloway overlook--situated under the face of Picacho Peak. All skill levels are welcome on this guided hike! Registration required.
Star Party at Picacho Peak
Oct. 18 | Dec. 20, 2025 | Feb. 21, 2026 | Apr. 24
Time varies
Come out for a night under the stars at Picacho Peak State Park! The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be on site with high-powered telescopes and guides to the night sky.
Guided Hike on the Sunset Vista Trail
Various Saturdays (November - March)
10 a.m.
Join a park guide on the scenic Sunset Vista Trail that will lead you to the top of Picacho Peak. Registration required.
Junior Ranger Guided Hike at Picacho Peak
Various Dates Nov 1, 2025-Mar 21, 2026
10 a.m.
Do you and your kids love being outside? Are you all fascinated with nature? Then come out to Picacho Peak State Park for a Junior Ranger Guided Hike! Join a ranger on a short hike in our park that is suitable for all ages!
Picacho Peak Bird Walk
Sundays, Nov 5 |Jan 25
9 a.m.
Walk the trails with one of our rangers and learn of the many birds inhabiting the Sonoran Desert region!
Full Moon Hike at Picacho Peak
Nov 7 | Dec 5 | Jan 2 | Feb 6
Varies by Date
Join us for a magical hike under the light of the full moon.
Shelter Dog Walking Program
Second Saturdays, Monthly (November-April)
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9 a.m. - noon
We are partnering with Pinal County Animal Care and Control to help get shelter dogs out on the trail! Join us to walk dogs along the Nature Loop at the park.
Scorpion Hunt at Picacho!
Nov 14 | Dec 12| Jan 23 | Mar 20
Varies by Date
Join our rangers in a search for some amazing scorpions! Look by rocks, in bushes, and even just crawling around on the ground. These skittering scorpions are not too hard to find once you start looking.
The Soldier's March
Sat, Nov 15, 2025 10 a.m.
Have you ever heard of the Battle of Picacho Pass? Do you want to know what happened that fateful day? Join Ranger Noah for a short walk through the history of the most westward Civil War battle that took place in Arizona. Learn the who, what, where, and why of the battle and how it affected the path to statehood for Arizona.
Into the Snake Den
Nov 16 | Jan 11 | Mar 8
10 a.m.
Join our park rangers at Picacho Peak State Park and learn about some simply spectacular serpents! From the tricky hognose to the stunning rattler, these snakes are absolutely ecstatic to meet you!
Thank the Stars Above at Picacho Peak
Nov 21 | Jan 16 | Feb 13 | Mar 13 Time varies
Come down to Picacho Peak State Park and take a look at the beautiful stars above. In this program, you will learn about some of the constellations in our night skies.
Guided Hike to the Peak on the Hunter Trail
Twice Monthly (October - April) 8 a.m. (Unless Otherwise Noted)
Join a park guide on the Hunter Trail and enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Picacho Peak. Registration required.
Civil War Living History Displays
November 22-23, 2025 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Come see Civil War living history displays at Picacho Peak State Park, the site of the furthest west battlefield of the Civil War. Living history demonstrations and interpretive talks will occur throughout the day.
Ranger S'mores and Stories at Picacho Peak
Various Dates Nov 28, 2025-Mar 27, 2026
6 p.m.
Join a ranger for a classic evening of outdoor fun at the campground amphitheater.
Curious About Cactus at Picacho Peak State Park
Various Saturdays, Nov 16, 2025-Mar 28, 2026
10 a.m.
The Sonoran Desert is home to many different prickly cacti - from the tiniest Hedgehog cactus to the tallest Saguaro. Join our rangers on a 30-minute short loop around the Sage Ramada as we identify the many types of cacti and succulents you can find in the Sonoran Desert region.
Desert Duos at Picacho Peak State Park
Nov 30 | Jan 4 | Feb 15 | Mar 15 | Mar 29 10 a.m.
Have you ever had a best friend you just couldn’t live without? Well, residents here at Picacho Peak take that quite literally.
PokePeak (A PokemonGo Hike)
Dec 7 | Feb 22 10 a.m.
Come on down to Picacho Peak and start your Pokemon Go adventure with a ranger by your side! This short hike will bring you to multiple stops where you can catch, collect, and learn about the desert around you and the creatures that might be here.
Check out CycleKarts at Picacho Peak
Saturday, December 13, 2025
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Members of the CycleKart Club will be displaying their vintage-inspired designs. Root for your favorites at the races, which will occur every 30 minutes. Come and see these exciting machines in action!
Touch Table Talk at Picacho
Dec 14 | Feb 8 10:00 a.m.
Come on down to the Visitor Center and ask a ranger about our touch table! Learn about the different plants, animals, and minerals here at Picacho Peak. Take a closer look at some animal skulls, feel some cool pelts, and learn about the different minerals on our peak.
Walk Among the Dinosaurs at Picacho Peak (Jurassic World Alive)
Dec 28 | Mar 22 10 a.m.
Walk among the dinosaurs in our Arizona deserts! Millions of years ago, this land belonged to the giants. And the environment was different from the desert you see around you today.
