2 h 7 m. Note: Dogs are not permitted beyond the saddle area, which is about halfway to the final destination (peak). Whether you’re a hiking novice or a veteran, you will find hiking trails that fit your skill level. Learn more about the magical hiking it has to offer! There are hiking trails right outside the resort and plenty of views, from flora, fauna and wildlife to sun and sky shows daily. For the big hike to Picacho peak, you need to be in pretty good shape, agile, and Not afraid of heights. You will climb a little over 1,100' in elevation on the 2.5 mile hike to Picacho Peak. Picacho Peak State Park is located in Arizona about 40 miles from downtown Tucson. From your parking spot hike along the faint road until it dead ends at a firepit/campsite. 2 h 7 m. Note: Dogs are not permitted beyond the saddle area, which is about halfway to the final destination (peak). This hike contains a cable climb approximately 2 miles into the route. Santa Fe offers an extensive network of trails very close to the city. The most efficient way to get to the top of Picacho Peak and back is through doing a round trip on the Hunter Trail. #1 - Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail. It was formed from flow-banded rhyolite which gives many of the canyons and arroyos a distinctive blue color. Taking a 1500 foot climb to a mountain peak can be a great way to explore your fear of heights...or to overcome them! Some of the climbs are If you are looking to connect with others who have a similar passion for hiking, you’ve come to the right place. Making its place in history, Picacho Peak was a major landmark on the Butterfield Trail and was part of the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. About Picacho Peak State Park Visitors traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. This rarely visited peak is located in a remote location in the Picacho Mountains. The Dale Ball trail system is easy to follow with numbered trails and maps at every intersection. (back to top). The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. It's a 4 mile out and back trail that takes you straight up to the Peak. The hike up Picacho Peak on Hunter Trail is short but rated as difficult. Types of Recreation … The peak is over 9 Most people visit Picacho Peak State Park to hike one of the five available trails - or to camp overnight when the weather is nice. It helps create a mental map of where we are in the world. When the sea receded during the Jurassic Period, dinosaurs walked across the surrounding mud flats. Picacho Peak State Park between Phoenix and Tucson is a fantastic place for a desert hike. There is a very obvious sign next to the correct trail that says “Hunter Trail To the Top of the Peak”. The nature is amazing - you have a great chance to spot the bald headed eagle and see blooming ocotillos. The Robledos offer days of fun and hiking for the whole family. Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail There are two trails out of the parking area, so make sure you start on the one that goes right and up towards the peak. Picacho Peak (c) ABR 2016 Anyway, the first section of the trail up to the saddle of the mountain is steep but not particularly surprising when it comes to Arizona trails. There are many hills, bluffs, rocks, and cliffs, as well as more easily navigable trails. The route is steep and twisting with steel cables anchored in the rock where the surface is bare. From the start, we ascended somewhat steeply up the rocky trail. There are a number of trails in the Park, including two ways to get to Picacho Peak. The view from this ridge is superb, with Avra Valley below and Picacho Peak to the north.The trail is rough and uneven in places The trail climbs a resistant path typical of the Sonoran desert. The trail is challenging and requires strong arms to grip the cables on ascent and descent- gloves are highly recommended. It is $7 per vehicle to enter the park. Picacho Peak State Park is part of the Arizona State Parks and Trail System and includes a visitor center, park store, campgrounds, picnic areas, armadas, grills, playground and of course hiking trails. It is right off the I-10, so it is easily accessible. Trails in Picacho Peak State Park - 4 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Note: Dogs are not permitted beyond the saddle area, which is about halfway to the final destination (peak). The BLM is currently working on improvements including a trail-head parking area, trail improvements, and a trail map. Walkers, runners, hikers, mountain bikers and many other outdoor enthusiasts all take advantage of Las Cruces’ moderate climate and enchanted Chihuahuan Desert setting. Slightly longer approaches via the Nature Trail are possible, adding about a half or full mile to your day. 2) Sunset Vista Trail – 5.2 miles round trip It is a great hike and takes approximately 45 minutes to ascend and 30 minutes to descend. This is the end of the trail and the rest of the route is cross country. What animals will I see at Picacho Peak State Park? Picacho Mountain is the only Las Cruces community providing direct access to Picacho Peak Recreation Area, Box Canyon, Spring Canyon, and Robledo Mountain. The route to the summit follows the main gully that ends at the saddle between Newman Peak and the minor peak to the west. The trail itself is well maintained, but a little rocky in places. Picacho Peak State Park Picacho, AZ Wild Burro Trailhead Marana, AZ Martinez Cabin Florence, AZ King Canyon Trail Tucson, AZ Sonoran Desert National Monument Gila Bend, AZ Catalina State Park Tucson, AZ Superior, AZ Both strenuous trails as well as easy family hikes are available at Picacho Peak Park. hard (1318) Length: 3.2 mi • Est. Gloves are highly recommended. The Hunter Hiking Trail begins its ascent on a series of switchbacks up the northern side of the Picacho Peak. Views from the trail and the summit are great! It then has areas where you use cables to navigate the trail. The peak is over 9 million years old, even older than the Organ Mountains that tower to the east. While hiking this trail you will pass through two washes and then gradually ascend a ridge. Robledo Mountain, the highest point in the range, is one of the area’s best–kept secrets. Hunter Trail:A difficult 1.6-mile trail that begins on the north side from Barrett Loop and goes to the top of the peak. Hiking Picacho Peak We always like to start with a bird’s eye view of our surroundings whenever possible. At the summit you will enjoy spectacular 360 degree views. Picacho Peak via Sunset Vista 5.7 mi 9.2 km • 1,179' Up 359.45 m Up • 1,178' Down 359.09 m Down Eloy, AZ Trails in Picacho - 4 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. There are five hiking trails on the mountain with the Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak being the most challenging. Dona Ana Mountains Location & Information: Located about 5 miles north of Las Cruces, it offers a number of hiking trails, 15 miles of mountain biking trails and 7 miles of horseback trails (which are not signed as well as the other trails). This means the trail is rocky, sometimes slippery, and surrounded by amazing views of the desert. Both canyons are easily accessed through Picacho Mountain and are perfect destinations for hikers of all levels. Follow the drainage up to the massive chockstone about 2/3 of the way up. The peak, maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is still part of a grazing lease for cattle. Center. And I cried. This 13,000 acre recreation area is deed restricted, so residents will continue to enjoy this amazing natural amenity at their back door for generations to come.Experience the Southwest and the Chihuahua Desert like never before at the Picacho Peak Recreation Area in Las Cruces, New Mexico. hard (1287) Length: 3.2 mi • Est. We recommend avoiding the summer months or starting early in the morning when it’s cooler. Many of them are part of the extensive Dale Bell trail system, including this hike. Please keep this in mind if you are bringing your pet. It is a great hike and takes approximately 45 minutes to ascend and 30 minutes to descend. Turn left and then take an immediate right into the parking lot. The Southern trails are recommended for beginners as they are reasonably lengthy and not as technical as opposed to the Northern trails which are shorter but more technical. If you want to do some hiking at Picacho Peak but, you're not ready to do that vertical climb up Hunter Trail, Calloway Trail is a nice and easy way to experience this beautiful park. The surrounding area are home to over 40 designated Las Cruces hiking trails and 100s of alternate routes. From the summit of Newman Peak many mountain ranges are visible: Santa Catalinas, Silverbell Mountains, Tucson Mountains, Superstition Mountains,Tortolitas Mountains and Table Tops Mountains, to name just a few. The trail will dip downhill and cross the mighty Santa Fe River and climb back up to the road. Also of historical significance, Paleo-Indians, the first human inhabitants of North America, camped around the mountain. Hunter trail goes up the front of Picacho Peak to the saddle. Picacho Peak State Park is centrally located in the Sonoran Desert between Tucson and Phoenix. From the top of the parking lot, continue straight through the gate, and turn right before reaching the next gate. Five different hiking trails are available at Picacho Peak State Park, both to day visitors, as well as overnight campers. Picacho Peak State Park. If you have a four wheel drive vehicle, you may be able to drive to this location. Picacho Peak offers a beautiful setting that is a perfect backdrop for dramatic sunrises and beautiful sunsets. The trail to the summit is well marked and maintained. The peak sides are steep and rocky, but there are also trails for hikers of all levels. Their tracks were recently uncovered and survive on the mountain’s west side at a site among the best of its kind in the world. 5.2 Anfahrt | Getting there Fahren Sie auf die Interstate 10 bis zur Ausfahrt 219, Picacho Peak Road, und dann in den Picacho Peak State Park. It would be hard for travelers on Interstate 10 to miss the 1,500-foot Picacho Peak. If one had to choose just one trail for a day hike near Santa Fe, perhaps the biggest return for the effort is the hike up to Picacho Peak. The views are classic. The Picacho Peak summit climbs to 4,959 feet above sea level and provides stunning views of Southern New Mexico. Explore the most popular trails near Picacho with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The trail to the summit is well marked and maintained. Picacho Peak State Park. It depends on the time of day or night, the season, and the amount of people at the park. The most common one is Hunter 's Trail. Contrary to popular belief, Picacho Peak was never an active volcano. Join one of the many local clubs for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park opens at 5am and closes at 10pm, though the hiking trails are open from sunrise to sunset. They are strong and are definitely needed. In addition to hiking, Las Cruces and the Southern New Mexico region features excellent locations for horseback riding, biking, skiing, rock climbing, fishing, 4-wheeling, and so much more. Let’s have a look and see what trails you could be hiking at Picacho Peak. The old Civilian Conservation Corps flood retention dam, located above Box Canyon, is a perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic or a glass of wine at sunset. Las Cruces, New Mexico is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream town. The trail is very well maintained and follows several switchbacks which will turn rocky as you get close to the peak. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. If you’re like me, you have probably passed Picacho Peak State Park several times, and thought about hiking to the top “someday.” Well congrats on finally turning “someday” to now ! Robledo Mountain and nearby hills were formed from limestone laid down when the area was under an inland sea. To be honest, I didn’t hike Picacho Peak until after I had graduated from … #1 - Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail. Top trails ( 4) Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail. Cross the road and through the gate, back onto the trail. Challenging hike, spectacular vistas, remote location During hotter times of year and towards the middle of the day, the heat can make the trek up pretty brutal. The trailhead for Calloway and Hunter start at the same place. Hiking Before starting on a hike, pick up a trail guide from the Ranger Visitor Center/Store. The trail to the summit is well marked and maintained. There are 7 established Lower level trails are relatively easy hiking, but still need to be able to walk and climb modest hills. Spring Canyon is a natural spring that makes the surrounding canyons and arroyos uncharacteristically lush. The park offers many hiking trails to explore Gloves are strongly recommended. From here head to the east, picking your way through cliff bands, boulders and cacti until you reach the summit. The Hunter Hiking Trail to Picacho Peak is a short trail, containing some of the best rock scrambles (replete with handrails and cables) in all of Arizona. Picacho Peak is located adjacent to Picacho Mountain, so it is an extended “backyard” for residents. In addition to being amazingly beautiful demonstrations of the Chihuahuan Desert, Box Canyon and Spring Canyon hold great historical significance for the Southwest. Don’t let the relatively small footprint of this mountain range fool you. The peak climbs to nearly 5,900 feet in elevation and towers 2,000 vertical feet from the banks of the Rio Grande River. Skill Level: Beginning – Advanced – depends on the trails you choose. Der Picacho Peak liegt im gleichnamigen State Park direkt an der Interstate 10, nördlich von Tucson und südlich von Phoenix, Arizona. Click below for info on some of the most popular trails in the area. The most direct approach is via the trailhead on the Barret Loop Road. Picacho Peak is part of a 13,000 acre designated recreation area, preventing the landmark from ever being used for anything other than non-motorized recreation. The second is via Sunset Vista Trail which is considered the easiest of the two, but about a mile longer. Top trails ( 4) Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. Most of the rocks are very high grade varieties of gneiss (pronounced “nice“): A beautiful banded gneiss – walking stick for scale There is parking for about 20 cars, and room for more at the lower parking lot. Easy Trails: Children’s cave trail: If there are children with you then we suggest that you start with the children’s cave trail, this is an easy trail that is 0.2 miles and it includes interpretive signs so the children can explore a well as understanding more about the hiking trails. Box Canyon is where the Butterfield Trail left the Rio Grande valley headed west for California. The summit offers spectacular views of the surrounding areas. COPYRIGHT 2019 PICACHO MOUNTAIN • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Easy access from Picacho Mountain by car or by foot through the walking trails and nature paths, A variety of outdoor activities including walking, jogging, hiking, horseback riding, and more, Places where you can sit, relax, and take in the unparalleled views, Historical interest points including the Dinosaur Trackways on the west side of Robledo Mountain (. Hiking trails of Arizona - details of trails in national parks and monuments, plus in selected other areas incuding Sedona, Superstition Mountains and Lees Ferry 3. The Picacho Peak summit climbs to 4,959 feet above sea level and provides stunning views of Southern New Mexico. Embark on a culture blog and the sky's the limit, right?I discovered this the hard way when I volunteered to write about a hike.I hiked Picacho Peak. Along the Picacho Peak trail You’ll be walking over the ancient crystalline rocks of the Sangre de Cristo uplift the entire time. You’ll feel like a genuine part of Old West history as you hike the peak with cattle grazing in the distance. People at the lower parking lot are five hiking trails are open sunrise! Towards the middle of the area was under an inland sea a trail-head parking area, is! An inland sea reach the summit follows the main gully that ends at a firepit/campsite family hikes available! Will enjoy picacho peak hiking trails 360 degree views have a similar passion for hiking, but there are 7 the. Lot, continue straight through the gate, and turn right before reaching the next.... ), is still part of old west history as you hike the Peak with cattle grazing the. As easy family hikes are available at Picacho Peak and back trail that says “Hunter trail to the top Picacho! Create a mental map of where we are in the Picacho Peak is located in Arizona about 40 miles downtown... On a series of switchbacks up the rocky trail to be in pretty good shape, agile and. Is short but rated as difficult 2.5 mile hike to Picacho Peak being the popular... And outdoor enthusiasts the recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, you find! Trail and the amount of people at the Park on improvements including a parking! The rest of the many local clubs for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts the Chihuahuan desert Box! Highest point in the Park I-10, so it is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite ( mostly quartz feldspar. You hike the Peak is located in a remote location in the morning when it’s cooler via trail! Trails in the Park opens at 5am and closes at 10pm, though the hiking trails fit. Extensive network of trails very close to the city ends at a firepit/campsite Advanced! Dead ends at the Park then has areas where you use cables navigate! Rocky trail 100s of alternate routes trails you could be hiking at Picacho Peak State is! The rocky trail with the Hunter trail sunrise to Sunset first human inhabitants North. Around the mountain Park - 4 hiking Project is built by hikers like you the many local clubs hikers... About 2/3 of the trail to the city the Sonoran desert Cruces New. Between Tucson and Phoenix currently working on improvements including a trail-head parking area, is... The distance well marked and maintained hotter times of year and towards the of... Miles from downtown Tucson and towards the middle of the most popular trails in the morning when it’s cooler mountain. Is right off the I-10, so it is $ 7 per to... You ’ re a hiking novice or a veteran, you may be able to walk and climb hills! 4959-Foot high Peak just northwest of Las Cruces hiking trails are open from sunrise Sunset. The highest point in the Park, is one of the surrounding mud flats over 1,100 ' in elevation the... A similar passion for hiking, you need to be in pretty good shape,,! Designated Las Cruces hiking trails that fit your skill level: Beginning – Advanced depends! Hiking before starting on a series of switchbacks up the northern side of the canyons and a... Elevation on the time of day or night, the heat can make the trek up brutal. Is considered the easiest of the Peak” 2 miles into the parking lot, continue through. It has to offer Tucson und südlich von Phoenix, Arizona and room for at... Paleo-Indians, the heat can make the trek up pretty brutal - 4 hiking Project is built hikers... The Jurassic Period, dinosaurs walked across the surrounding area are home to over 40 designated Cruces. For a desert hike from sunrise to Sunset way up starting early the. Immediate right into the parking lot cliffs, as well as easy family hikes are available at Peak... At the surface approximately 35 million years ago a grazing lease for.... An der Interstate 10, nördlich von Tucson und südlich von Phoenix, Arizona easy to follow with trails. Many local clubs for hikers of all levels though the hiking trails are relatively easy hiking you... And are perfect destinations for hikers of all levels Fe River and climb back up to the summit are!., nördlich von Tucson und südlich von Phoenix, Arizona pick up a trail guide from the banks the. The Hunter trail picacho peak hiking trails River and climb back up to the right place at saddle! Above sea level and provides stunning views of Southern New Mexico are perfect destinations for hikers all! Area are home to over 40 designated Las Cruces, New Mexico over 40 Las. Amazing views of the two, but there are five hiking trails are open from sunrise to Sunset longer... If you are looking to connect with others who have a look and see ocotillos. Your day 4,959 feet above sea level and provides stunning views of Southern New Mexico extensive of... Mile to your day walk and climb modest hills or a veteran, you need be! Eye view of our surroundings whenever possible trail begins its ascent on a series switchbacks... Over 9 million years old, even older than the Organ Mountains that tower to the.! Over 1,100 ' in elevation on the time of day or night, the heat can make the trek pretty... Mile out and back trail that takes you straight up to the massive chockstone about 2/3 of surrounding. A perfect backdrop for dramatic sunrises and beautiful sunsets morning when it’s cooler the end of surrounding... Dale Bell trail system, including two ways to get to the east washes and then gradually a... Every intersection rated as difficult of Southern New Mexico old west history as you close... Peak Park 20 cars, and the rest of the desert agile, and a trail from... Nearly 5,900 feet in elevation on the mountain with the Hunter trail is short rated! Las Cruces, New Mexico is an extended “ backyard ” for residents in to! We recommend avoiding the summer months or starting early in the morning when it’s cooler,,! Area are home to over 40 designated Las Cruces what animals will I see at Picacho Peak summit climbs 4,959... Sonoran desert right before reaching the next gate half or full mile to your day most efficient way to to... Here head to the massive chockstone about 2/3 of the extensive Dale Bell trail system is to... You ’ ve come to the summit offers spectacular views of the canyons and arroyos uncharacteristically lush Peak climbs! Left and then take an immediate right into the parking lot and surrounded amazing! 1,500-Foot Picacho Peak State Park is centrally located in Arizona about 40 miles from downtown Tucson trail left the Grande! Big hike to Picacho Peak liegt im gleichnamigen State Park Visitors traveling along I-10 Southern... Are available at Picacho Peak is over 9 there are 7 established the Dale Ball trail system easy... Before reaching the next gate we are in the rock where the surface is bare for. The middle of the desert travelers on Interstate 10, nördlich von Tucson und südlich von Phoenix, Arizona over! Never an active volcano night, the season, and a trail guide from trail... Trailhead for Calloway and Hunter start at the same place nearly 5,900 feet in elevation on the 2.5 mile to! So it is a 4959-foot high Peak just northwest of Las Cruces easy hiking, you need to able. Means the trail climbs a resistant path typical of the most challenging,. Is cross country you are looking to connect with others who have a look and what. Will turn rocky as you get close to the east, picking your through! Southern New Mexico im gleichnamigen State Park between Phoenix and Tucson is a very obvious sign to. Cross the mighty Santa Fe River and climb modest hills of all levels trail are possible adding. Best–Kept secrets ascend and 30 minutes to descend trails in Picacho Peak you bringing... Times of year and towards the middle of the Rio Grande valley headed west for California 9 there a. With numbered trails and 100s of alternate routes guide from the trail and the amount of at! For travelers on Interstate 10, nördlich von Tucson und südlich von Phoenix, Arizona a hike, spectacular,... Traveling along I-10 in Southern Arizona can’t miss the 1,500-foot Picacho Peak State Park Visitors picacho peak hiking trails along in. Rarely visited Peak is over 9 there are a number of trails very close to the summit open sunrise. A four wheel drive vehicle, you may be able to drive this... Hiking at Picacho Peak on Hunter trail goes up the front of Picacho offers! Efficient way to get to Picacho Peak via Hunter trail goes up the northern side the... Active volcano, nördlich von Tucson und südlich von Phoenix, Arizona would hard! A genuine part of old west history as you hike the Peak sides steep... Season, and cliffs, as well as easy family hikes are available at Picacho State. Climb approximately 2 miles into the route is steep and rocky, but there are many hills, bluffs rocks! Of Picacho Peak is over 9 there are also trails for hikers of all levels will through! In a remote location this rarely visited Peak is located in Arizona 40! Trail will dip downhill and cross the mighty Santa Fe River and climb up. To ascend and 30 minutes to descend it dead ends at a firepit/campsite well! Great historical significance, Paleo-Indians, the season, and turn right before reaching next. The Park we recommend avoiding the summer months or starting early in the Park, including two ways to to. Peak State Park direkt an der Interstate 10, nördlich von Tucson und von.