Picacho Peak, Hunter Trail

Put this hike on your list and bring gloves to do it!  It is a great desert hike to do in the winter months.  Picacacho Peak is located right off I-10 halfway between Casa Grande and Tucson.  It is worth the drive to do this fun peak.  The hike rewards you with 360 degree views of the desert floor from high atop the 3,374 feet summitt. For the trivia minded, Picacho was actually the location of a very small Civil War Battle.

Watch a short clip of the cable section of the hike:

The trail is located in Picacho Peak State Park and requires an entrance fee of $7.00/vehicle.
Click for park map.

The Hunter Trail is an out and back hike and totals 3 miles.  The hike begins to climb immediately and switchbacks up the north side of the mountain for the first section to the saddle.  Once you have gained the saddle at 2,960 feet take a moment to enjoy the view below. This where the trail gets fun! The trail descends down the back side (south side) of the saddle down a steep rock slope. Cables have been installed to assist the hiker, hence the benefit of having gloves.  The trail  then turns toward the east and around the backside of the mountain.  You will soon approach a trail coming in from your right side, which is the Sunset Vista Trail.  Keep heading straight on the Hunter Trail.  Another section of cables soon appears.  Toward the end of the trail you will reach the steepest section which again cables have been intstalled to assist and near the summit a short bridge has been erected to help the hiker across a slope.  Once you have finished the last section of cables follow the trail up and to your right which will take you to the true summit. 

Upon reaching the summit you will have gained an accumalted 1,888 feet.  I enjoyed sitting on top for a while and watching the ground squirrles scrounge for dropped food from other hikers.  There were also birds swooping over the peak.  It was an impressive sight to watch. 

Return the way you came.  Remember to bring plenty of water on this trail and shoes with good support and traction. 

Length: 3 miles (out and back)
Overall elevation gain: 1,888 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult (depending on fitness level and fear of heights)
Fee:  $7.00/car
Water and restrooms:  Yes
Kid Friendly:  Steep sections with drop off's.  Use your best judgement. 
Hike Time:  2 hours
Directions: Located between Tucson and Casa Grande on I-10. Take Exit 219 and follow signs to Park Entrance.  Click for driving map