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.
Junior Ranger Guided Hike
Picacho Peak State Park
March 1 & 16, 2025 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!
Come and enjoy a short hike through our nature trail! At the start of this hike, all prospective junior rangers will be given a packet that the ranger will go through with them as the hike progresses. At the end of the hike, the ranger will swear in all junior rangers and give them their official Picacho Peak junior ranger badge! The hike will be approximately one hour long, we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes, bringing water, and wearing sun protection. Sign up online or call the visitor center, spots are limited! Hikers will meet at the Harrington Loop Parking Lot.
Weather permitting, future Junior Rangers will meet Ranger Noah at the Nature Loop trailhead in the Harrington parking lot. This is a reservation-only event.
Jr Ranger Hikes start at 10 a.m. on each of the following dates:
November 9 & 24, 2024
December 7 & 22, 2024
January 4 & 19, 2025
February 1 & 16, 2025
March 1 & 16, 2025
MORE EVENTS
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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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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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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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March 22 and 23
Civil War Living History Displays
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.
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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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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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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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March 29, 2025
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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Sunday, March 30, 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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February 27, 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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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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May 3, 2025
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.