The Civil War event for March 21-22 has been canceled due to heat.
There is currently a water shortage at the park. No filling is allowed.
Guided Hike to the Peak on the Hunter Trail
Picacho Peak State Park
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. This is a challenging hike that involves steep switchbacks, rock scrambles, climbing up several cableways and an elevation change of 1,600 feet. Meet at the Hunter Trailhead on the Barrett Loop. Register at the link below.
- Total distance is 3.2 miles round-trip and takes 4-5 hours to complete
- Not recommended for inexperienced hikers
- No children under the age of 10
- No dogs
Free with paid park entry. 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. Guided peak hikes involve very rocky terrain, so tennis shoes and sandals are not appropriate footwear
- Sunscreen: We recommend at least SPF 30
Call park to register at 520-466-3183 or register online!
This event is part of Outdoors250, a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Arizona’s natural heritage. By participating in this event, you can enter to win Outdoors250 prizes by signing up at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.
Program Dates
- October 4, 2025 - 8 a.m.
- November 22, 2025 - 8 a.m.
- November 29, 2025 - 8 a.m.
- December 6, 2025 - 10 a.m.
- December 13, 2025 - 8 a.m.
- December 27, 2025 - 8 a.m.
- January 10, 2026 - 8 a.m.
- January 24, 2026 - 8 a.m.
- January 31, 2026 - 8 a.m.
- February 7, 2026 - 10 a.m.
- February 14, 2026 - 8 a.m.
- February 28, 2026 - 8 a.m.
- March 14, 2026 - 8 a.m.
- March 28, 2026 - 8 a.m.
- April 4, 2026 - 8 a.m.
MORE EVENTS
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Sunday, March 22, 2026
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. This is an Outdors250 event.
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Sunday, March 22, 2026
Concert at Picacho Peak - Yampa Valley Steve
Enjoy music at the park with Yampa Valley Steve, whose motto is "Loaded with Music, Have Fun, Will Travel."
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Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22 - CANCELED
An American Civil War Encampment: Special Event
Learn about the life of a Civil War soldier! Enjoy food from Calvin's Still Smokin BBQ, a Ranger talk, and weapons demonstration! - CANCELED
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Various Saturdays through March 2026
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 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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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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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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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. This is an Outdoors250 event.
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Apr. 24, 2026
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.
