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
Nov. 9, 24 | Dec. 7, 22 | Jan. 4, 19 | Feb. 1, 16 | March 1, 16 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 AM on each of the following dates:
11/9
11/24
12/7
12/22
1/4
1/19
2/1
2/16
3/1
3/16
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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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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Nov 2 | Nov 16 | Nov 30 | 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 1, 2024 | 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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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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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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Dec 8 | 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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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. 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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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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Nov. 16 | 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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November 10, 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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January 1, 2025
First Day Hike at Picacho Peak
Start 2025 with a choice of two guided hikes on New Year's Day! Registration required.
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November 3, 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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November 17, 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 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.
