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.
Scorpion Hunt at Picacho!
Picacho Peak State Park
January 23 | March 20, 2026 Varies by Date
Ah! Scorpions! Actually, they are not that scary after all. 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. Our rangers will tell you all about these interesting arachnids, from the tail to the pincers.
Bring a blacklight and your curiosity! Help our rangers find some neat scorpions!
Meet in the Harrington Loop parking lot.
Program Dates and Times:
11/14/25 - 7:00 PM
12/12/25 - 7:00 PM
01/23/26 - 7:00 PM
03/20/26 - 8:00 PM
MORE EVENTS
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January 1, 2026
First Day Hike at Picacho Peak
Start 2026 with a choice of two guided hikes on New Year's Day! This is an Outdoors250 event.
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January 2 | February 6, 2026
Night Hikes
Join us for a magical hike under the light of the full moon.
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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 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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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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Twice monthly (November-March)
Junior Ranger Guided Hike at Picacho Peak
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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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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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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Jan. 11 | Mar. 8, 2026
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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Jan 16 | Feb 13 | Mar 13
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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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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Sunday, January 25
Picacho Peak Bird Walk
Walk the trails with one of our rangers and learn of the many birds inhabiting the Sonoran Desert region! This event is part of Outdoors250.
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Saturdays - Dec 20, 2025 | Feb 7, 2026 | Mar 7, 2026
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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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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Feb. 21 | 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.
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Sunday, February 22, 2026
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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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.
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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."
