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.
The is currently a water shortage at the park. No filling will be allowed at the park.
First Day Hike at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
January 1, 2025 10 a.m.
Choose your hike!
Join a guide to hike up the peak via the Hunter Trail with trail guide Charles. Learn more about the mountain, the surrounding land, and even some of the native plants. While taking consistent breaks, you will make your climb to the peak. This challenging hike involves steep switchbacks, rock scrambles, climbing up several cableways, and an elevation gain of 1,600ft. Total distance is 3.2 miles round-trip and takes 4-5 hours. Sorry, no children under the age of 10 are permitted on this guided hike and no dogs. Hikers will meet at the Hunter Trailhead located in Barrett Loop. Register at the link below (search for Guided Hike on the Hunter Trail).
Join us for a separate hike at 10 a.m. on the Calloway Trail. Plan for 1-2 hours on the trail and meet at the Calloway Trailhead in Harrington Loop.
The following items are REQUIRED to attend a guided peak hike. Park staff have the right to turn away unprepared hikers at the trailhead.
- Water: Bring a minimum of 3 liters on the hunter trail hike, and at least 4 liters on the sunset trail hike. Consider using a water bladder or hydration pack for easy water storage
- Clothing: Wear close-toed hiking shoes, lightweight clothing and a head covering. Gloves are recommended for the cableways (Hunter trail). Guided peak hikes involve very rocky terrain, so tennis shoes and sandals are not appropriate footwear
- Sunscreen: We recommend at least SPF 30
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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Dec 14 | Jan 11 | Jan 25 | Feb 8 | Feb 22 | Mar 8 | Mar 15 | Mar 22
Curious About Cactus at Picacho Peak State Park
The Sonoran Desert is home to many different prickly cacti - from the tiniest Hedgehog cactus to the tallest Saguaro. Join Ranger Ethan in a 30 minute short loop as we identify the many types of cacti you can find at the park.
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December 15, 2024 | February 23, 2025
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.
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Dec. 7, 22 | Jan. 4, 19 | Feb. 1, 16 | March 1, 16
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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Monthly (October - March)
Geology Tour at Picacho Peak State Park
Join us for a geology experience at Picacho Peak State Park! Learn about the volcanic origins of the peak and surrounding parkland. Registration required!
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Dec. 21 | Jan. 19 | Feb. 15 | Mar. 29
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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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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Dec. 28 | Jan. 18 | Feb. 22 | March 29 | April 19
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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December 29, March 30
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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December 29, January 30, February 27, March 30
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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First Saturday (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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Jan 5 | Feb 2 | Mar 2
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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January 12, March 9
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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January 26, March 23
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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February 9, 2025
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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Saturday, December 7
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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February 23 | March 9
Wildflower Walk With a Ranger at Picacho Peak State Park
Join our flower-loving park rangers at Picacho Peak State Park and learn about the many wildflowers that bloom in the Sonoran Desert.
