Picacho Peak State Park is in Arizona.

Picacho Peak

Understand

The Picacho Peak State Park Visitor Center has public restrooms, a gift shop, vending machines and many types of snacks.

History

The Butterfield Overland Stage passed through the area. But perhaps even more exciting is that a Union cavalry from California skirmished with Texan Confederate scouts here in the Battle Of Pichaco Pass, an event that is claimed to be the westernmost battle of the Civil War.

Landscape

Hopefully you like Sonoran desert because Pichaco Peak State Park is like a masterpiece of that on display, and then there are near and distant views of topography like the Santa Catalina Mountains to the southeast and the Santa Cruz River sink to the west from the apex of Pichaco Peak. The most singular sight might just be the peak itself though from its base while driving along I-10 or approaching it otherwise.

Flora and fauna

Scorpions, cacti, desert flowers in season.

Climate

Sizzling by mid-day in summer on the desert floor. A little milder in late fall and winter thankfully, but watch out for monsoonal systems in the fall.

Get in

• Picacho Peak State Park, 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, +1-520-466-3183. The park is located off I-10, on exit 219; 60 miles south of Phoenix, and 40 miles north of Tucson. Park hours: 5AM-10PM; Visitor center hours: Su-Th 9AM-3PM, F-Sa 8AM-5PM (varies by season);

Fees and permits

$7 per vehicle, $3 per bicycle

See

The park centers around the most noticeable 3,374 foot Pichaco Peak that rises from the desert floor.

Do

There is great hiking to the top of the peak within the park along two trails, with cables and catwalks at certain points near the top. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and signs of heat stroke/overexertion.

Sleep

Camping

Camping is only permitted in designated areas. There are 100 sites, some with electricity.