The prominent landmark Picacho Peak rises majestically 1,500 feet above the Sonoran Desert floor about 35 miles northwest of Tucson just off Interstate 10. Hiking, camping and picnicking are the preferred pastimes here. Hikers enjoy the climb to the top of Picacho Peak, while the less adventurous can stroll along a trail at its base and marvel at the vibrant spectacle of the season's blooming wildflowers.
General Information
Seasons / Hours
Open year round, 24 hours a day.
Rates & Fees
Entrance and camping fees apply.
Please call park for current fee information (520) 466-3183
.
Visitor Center
Hours
Open daily, 8 AM to 10 PM
Food/Supplies
There are no food or supplies within the park. Nearest services 5 miles away.
Accessibility
Park facilities, including rest rooms and showers are handicapped accessible.
Rules, Regulations, Precautions
Operating unlicensed vehicles is not permitted. All vehicle operators must be licensed.
Drive only on designated roadways.
Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Saving or reserving campsites is prohibited, even if prepaid.
Fires are permitted only in the fire rings and grills provided.
Collection of fire wood within the park is prohibited.
All plants, animals, rocks, minerals and historic artifacts within the park boundaries are protected by state law. It is illegal to destroy or disturb these features.
Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Use garbage dumpsters provided. Do not bum or bury garbage.
Quiet hours in the park are from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Visitors are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations, which are posted in the park
Climate, Geography, Setting
Setting
Picacho State Park is located 35 north of Tucson west of Interstate 10. It encompasses 3,500 acres at an average elevation of 2,000 feet.
Climate
Month
Max.
Min.
Precipitation
Jan
67.0
35.7
0.77
Feb
71.7
39
0.77
Mar
76.2
44.1
0.79
Apr
84.7
50.7
0.24
May
93.6
58.5
0.11
June
102.6
67.1
0.06
July
105
75.1
0.97
Aug
101.5
73.1
1.39
Sep
99.3
67.5
0.59
Oct
90.1
55.7
0.74
Nov
76.8
43.5
0.64
Dec
68.3
36.8
1.52
Description
Cultural History
Civil War Re-Enactment
Every year in March, (MARCH 10-11, 2001) the park sponsors a Re-enactment of the Battle of Picacho Pass. Arizona State Parks sponsors many re-enactments of history throughout its 25 park system. Since many people only know of the battles that were fought in the eastern states, this desert battle becomes another history lesson.
The clothing, camp lifestyle, food, and stories told by the soldiers in the southwest during the 1860s make this event even more intriguing. More than 150 re-enactors from the Southwestern area camp at Picacho Peak State Park.
Spectators are welcome to tour the recreated military camps which will include demonstrations such as laundering, candle making, sewing, cooking and the fashions of the era. This is a family oriented event and will have handicap access.
Natural History
Plants Plants within Picacho Peak State Park lie within the Lower Sonoran Life zone. They include mesquite, Paloverde and acacia trees; Crucifixion Thorn, Ocotillo, cholla, prickly pear and Saguaro Cactus.
Animals Jack and cottontail rabbits, Mule Deer, Javelina, Coyotes, ground squirrels, pack rats and numerous lizards and snakes live within the park. Many species of birds call the park home. Mountain Lions, Bighorn Sheep and Coyotes have been observed.
Geology Even though bizarre-looking Picacho Peak looks much like a volcanic neck, it is actually the faulted, tilted and eroded remains of a sequence of lava flows, except for the summit, which contains a large block of Precambrian granite.
The Picacho Mountains are the light-colored hills directly across I-10. Their northern end is composed of gneiss, their southern end of the same granite comprising the dome of the Santa Catalinas.
Things To Do
Camping
Picnic areas
Birding and wildlife viewing
Hiking Trails
Nature Trail: 1/2-mile round trip
Children's Cave Trail: 1/2-mile round trip
Sunset Vista Trail: 3.1 miles to peak (elevation 3,374)
Hunter Trail: 2.0 miles to peak (elevation 3,374)
Calloway Trail: 0.7 miles to Overlook
Camping & Lodging
There are 95 campsites at Picacho Peak State Park. All camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are charged per vehicle and are payable in the campground. The campground has 22 developed RV sites, each with table, grill and shade ramada, electricity and water. Water and a flush restroom with showers are available.
Accommodations for day and overnight groups are available by reservation. Facilities are located adjacent to the campground. The group areas offerlarge overhead ramadas, grills, picnic tables and water. Contact the Park Office at the Regional InformationCenter for reservation information.
Camping is allowed only in designated areas
Saving or reserving campsites is prohibited, even if prepaid.
Stay Limit: 15 days
Camping Fees: $10 per night; $15 per night for hookups
Rules, Regulations, Precautions
Campground
Camping is allowed only in designated areas.
Camping is first come, first served. No reservations are available.
Checkout time is 2 pm.
Quiet Hours are 10 pm to 6 am.
Stay limit is 14 nights within a 30 day period.
General
Drive only on designated roadways.
Wood fires are prohibited. Charcoal and Duraflame fires are acceptable.
No soliciting or selling.
Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Obey posted speed limits.
Littering is unlawful.
Visitors are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations, which are posted in the park
Desert floor about 35 miles northwest of Tucson just off Interstate 10. Hiking, camping and picnicking are the preferred pastimes here. Hikers enjoy the climb to the top of Picacho Peak, while the less adventurous can stroll along a trail at its base and marvel at the vibrant spectacle of the season's blooming wildflowers.
