Programs & Events

Picacho Peak State Park

Guided Hike to the Peak on the Hunter Trail

Twice Monthly (October - April)- Saturdays Picacho Peak with wildflowers in the foreground 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.

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Guided Hike on the Calloway Trail

Monthly, Oct 17, 2026 - April 17, 2027 Picacho Peak with wildflowers in the foreground Varies by Date

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.

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Desert Duos at Picacho Peak State Park

Various Sundays Nov 2026 - Mar 2027 bird on a cholla cactus 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.

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Scorpion Hunt at Picacho!

Various Dates Nov 16, 2027-Mar 19, 2027 Scorpions fluorescing under black light. 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.

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Guided Hike to the Peak on the Sunset Vista Trail

Saturdays, Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 6, 2027 Saguaros across the mountainous landscape with the blue sky overhead. 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.

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Junior Ranger Guided Hike at Picacho Peak

Twice monthly (November-March) Children sit in a sandy area listening to a park ranger speak. 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 ages 5 and up!

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Star Party at Picacho Peak

Various Dates Sept 12, 2026 - Apr 23, 2027 Visitors look through telescopes under a starry night sky. 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.

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Night Hikes at Picacho Peak

Various Fridays, Nov 20, 2026 - March 26, 2027 A family at a campground surrounded by desert vegetation and cactuses with a mountainous peak in the distance. Varies by Date

Join us for a magical hike under the night sky.

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An American Civil War Encampment: Special Event

Saturday-Sunday, November 21-22, 2026 A group of soldiers in uniform 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Learn about the life of a Civil War soldier! Enjoy food from Calvin's Still Smokin BBQ, a Ranger talk, and weapons demonstration!

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Shelter Dog Walking Program

Nov. 21 | Dec. 19 | Jan. 16 | Feb. 20 | March 20 A peson walking a brindle and white dog on the trail at Picacho Peak State Park 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

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.

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S'mores and Stories Campfire at Picacho Peak

Friday, November 27, 2027 PIcacho peak with saguaro in foreground 5:30 p.m.

Join a ranger for a classic evening of outdoor fun at the campground amphitheater.

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Curious About Cactus at Picacho Peak State Park

Various Saturdays Nov. 2026 - Mar. 2027 A historic photo of saguaros at Picacho Peak State Park 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.

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The Soldier's March

Various Saturdays, Dec 19, 2026-Mar 13, 2027 American Flag in front of Picacho Peak 10 a.m.

Have you ever heard of the Battle of Picacho Pass? Do you want to know what happened that fateful day? Join a ranger 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.

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First Day Hike at Picacho Peak

January 1, 2027 2 people hiking on a desert trail 10 a.m.

Start 2027 with a guided hike on New Year's Day! Choose your adventure between Hunter and Calloway Trail!

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Picacho Peak Bird Walk

Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 17, 2027 | Feb 14, 2027 A cactus wren 8 a.m.

Walk the trails with one of our rangers and learn of the many birds inhabiting the Sonoran Desert region!

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Into the Snake Den

Various Dates Jan 2027 - Mar 2027 A rattlesnake peers through grassy vegetation. 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!

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Check out CycleKarts at Picacho Peak

Saturday,February 20, 2027 featuredImg 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!

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Thank the Stars Above at Picacho Peak

Friday, March 12, 2027 7 p.m.

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.

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Concert at Picacho Peak - Yampa Valley Steve

Sunday, March 13, 2027 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy music at the park with Yampa Valley Steve, whose motto is "Loaded with Music, Have Fun, Will Travel."

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Geology Hike on the Calloway Trail at Picacho Peak

Sundays Mar 14, 2027 | Mar 28, 2027 side of the mountain picacho peak 8 a.m.

Join our guided geology hike along the Calloway Trail.

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