Stage 2 fire restrictions now in effect. No charcoal or wood fires. Propane stoves for cooking only. No smoking except in an enclosed vehicle.
We are currently working to improve the infrastructure at the park. Construction will be ongoing for the next year, with minimal impacts on visitor areas. Please stay clear of construction zones.
There is currently a water shortage at the park. No filling will be allowed.
Curious About Cactus at Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park
Various Saturdays, Nov 16, 2025-Mar 28, 2026 10 a.m.
Youch! The Sonoran Desert is home to many different prickly cacti. Some are thin, some are round, some are tiny, and some are the size of buildings!
Join a ranger on a 30 minute short walk around the Sage Ramada as we identify the many types of cacti you can find at the park, including the famous Saguaro. There will be time after the program to ask further questions.
Bring your questions, water, sun protection and a hat, and a good pair of hiking shoes.
Upcoming Dates and Times:
11/29/2025 - 10:00 AM
01/03/26 - 10:00 AM
01/17/25 - 10:00 AM
01/31/26 - 10:00 AM
02/14/26 - 10:00 AM
02/28/26 - 10:00 AM
03/14/26 - 10:00 AM
03/28/26 - 10:00 AM
MORE EVENTS
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Twice Monthly (October - April)
Guided Hike to the Peak on the Hunter Trail
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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3rd Saturday of each month (October-April)
Guided Hike on the Calloway Trail
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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Oct. 18 | Dec. 20, 2025 | Feb. 21, 2026 | Apr. 24
Star Party at Picacho Peak
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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Various Saturdays (November - March)
Guided Hike on the Sunset Vista Trail
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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Various Dates Nov 1, 2025-Mar 21, 2026
Junior Ranger Guided Hike
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!
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Sundays, Nov 5 |Jan 25
Picacho Peak Bird Walk
Walk the trails with one of our rangers and learn of the many birds inhabiting the Sonoran Desert region!
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Nov 7 | Dec 5 | Jan 2 | Feb 6
Full Moon Hike at Picacho Peak
Join us for a magical hike under the light of the full moon.
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Second Saturdays, Monthly (November-April)
Shelter Dog Walking Program
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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Nov 14 | Dec 12| Jan 23 | Mar 20
Scorpion Hunt at Picacho!
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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Sat, Nov 15, 2025
The Soldier's March
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.
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Nov 16 | Jan 11 | Mar 8
Into the Snake Den
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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March 30, 2025
Thank the Stars Above at Picacho Peak
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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Various Dates Nov 28, 2025-Mar 27, 2026
Ranger S'mores and Stories at Picacho Peak
Join a ranger for a classic evening of outdoor fun at the campground amphitheater.
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Nov 30 | Jan 4 | Feb 15 | Mar 15 | Mar 29
Desert Duos at Picacho Peak State Park
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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Dec 7 | Feb 22
PokePeak (A PokemonGo Hike)
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.
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Saturday, December 13, 2025
Check out CycleKarts at Picacho Peak
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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Dec 14 | Feb 8
Touch Table Talk at Picacho
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.
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Dec 28 | Mar 22
Walk Among the Dinosaurs at Picacho Peak (Jurassic World Alive)
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.
