Reviews of Picacho Peak State Park. (Sports Complex) in Phoenix (Arizona).

Picacho Peak State Park

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390 Comments

Sports Complex

State park

15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141, United States

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Information of Picacho Peak State Park, Sports Complex in Phoenix (Arizona)

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Reviews of Picacho Peak State Park

Sarah Nowlen

Beautiful park! Stunning desert landscape! Nice campground with showers but no water filling place. There is a drinking fountain in the visitor center. And there are dish sinks! Awesome stay! Will definitely stay again when I come by this way!

Jenslyfe

We absolutely loved this park! Easy access from highway, plenty of room, paved, quiet, clean bathrooms and wifi. Staff was so friendly and helpful. The views were stunning and the grounds were all very clean. The showers were hot and clean and really nice bathrooms. We can’t wait to come back and stay longer. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring along with hook ups. Can’t beat the cost and the views!!

Angela Romain

As always, a fabulous place. The camp sites are very nice and had plenty of room and included a fire pit and electricity. They apparently are short on water so the drinking fountains could not be used. It is a little difficult walking to the bathroom at nite as you could end up in a campsite instead of following the road. The freeway noise is something you seem to get used to and I do like the sound of the trains. The views are outstanding and there are several great trails with the climb of Picacho Peak being the highlight that I last climbed 10 years ago. There are cables involved and I highly recommend gloves.

David Brown

We climbed Picacho peak 3374 feet via Hunter trail. It is a difficult trail especially if you have any hip, knee, ankle, shoulder or arm problem. You climb up and down this trail and use metal cables to climb up/down to the peak. If you have any physical activity you can make the climb if you take your time and take breaks. Bring lots of water and clean up after yourself. Great views.

Kyle B.

Beautiful venue for my brother's wedding. The peak is a super fun hike with great views, also. There are a lot of cables on the route to help getting up and down its very steep.

Princess Peach

Amazing spot to hike! Moderate and hard trails. I love how quaint it feels, the little pathways are adorable. There were wild bulls close by us on our walk through Sunset Vista Trail!! It’s a must visit place. $7 entrance fee, and you must be out of the trails before sundown for safety. This visit was our second time to this mountain and it won’t be the last! There is a very nice gas station at the base of the mountain for snacks and drinks!

Johnny C.

Cool place to hike, wasn't busy when we visited. Got some excellent pictures when I went up the mountain (hill?). Anyway, found this place on the way home, got some good exercise in.

Laurel S.

Very nice park with friendly check in staff. Jimena was especially sweet. We were in Loop C, #23, which is a pull thru. Unobstructed view of gorgeous sunsets. Very roomy sites and the neighbors are very quiet. We never saw the camp hosts but the camping area is very clean. The whole park is lovely with great hiking. Dont forget to bring your own water in with you. (As we were leaving,, someone was fillling their fresh tank with non-potable water at the dump station. Don't do that! You could get very sick !) Happy camping!

Valerie Flanagan

Beautiful unique natural area. Park staff friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Nice hikes of varying lengths and difficulties. Great vistas and natural sites.

Tania Womack

Lovely park! It has rained significantly in the last few days so the views were clear and beautiful! It is very clean, staff are very friendly and helpful! There is a lot of art in the park visitor center - even the ladies bathroom!

Ovidiu Bota

Amazing landscape that you don’t want to skip while traveling between Phoenix and Tucson. Great stop for a hike in the nature or even camping for a few days or just picnic

Michael Smith

Breathtaking views! The park was spotless, the grounds, restrooms and showers. I'd estimate was 90% full with a couple of interesting conversations with fellow campers to be had. The spot at $30 including electric , Ramada, fire ring and use of dump station sems a bargain. Optional WI FI provided by vendor at $3.99 for night gave perfect connection for Netflix and other entertainment. Verizon works perfect as well should you need cell connection. Will be going back absolutely. Easy reservation and payment via parks website. Used map version selection to hand pick spot for close walk to showers.

stratogore

Me and my family went there, and it was amazing. We didn't go on the trails I went there to do some astrophotography, and it was beautiful. Nice beautiful area. Great place to take the family, to take pictures, to do some night photography. Come and see

Cindy Smith

This mountain is no joke. The Ranger was very helpful in telling which hike took the longest, etc...and which had shade compared to none. We did the shady trail. You definitely need gloves, there are cables to hold onto as the trail gets very steep in certain spots. Saw a Tarantula, Scorpion and Rattlesnake. It was quite the experience.

sheryl murphy

We loved this park. Fit our 40 ft rig easy. Great hikes for all levels. We like easy to moderate and it was beautiful. I would highly recommend this park. Oh yes, the staff was super friendly and helpful.

Charles Bergeson

Awesome hike. Solo the first time, then went when my brother-in-law the second time. Went back a third time with my wife Kim but just for lunch and to look around the park more. Awesome place

Rachael Haines

Stunning views of both the peak, Saguaro everywhere. The perfect place to watch the Arizona sun rise.

Bob Dean

It was absolutely beautiful. Even on a rainy overcast day I couldn't get over the sights. I plan on booking a week or two for a camp site for late December or early January so that I can really explore the beauty.

Faith Hurst

Most amazing hick up to the peak !! Best hike I've ever been on . It is difficult.. and high .. but so worth it !!

Franklin Henderson (#rvroaddoglife)

Very friendly and helpful staff. Stayed 2 nights at campground. Very peaceful experience with great views.

Patrick Evans

Great hiking trail choices, well maintained and marked! Not crowded

Katherine James

Had a great time with the kids. The ranger at the gift shop was very friendly and engaging with the kids.

Elise Moore

Informative tiny gift shop. Ask for geology info at front desk. Lots of sheltered picnic tables. Wonderful views. Charges $7 per car of 4 people. I'll definitely return. Makes s special picnic stop.

James A. Gidiyup

Absolutely one of the best state parks in the Phoenix Tucson area. Campsites are not all on a row they're staggered throughout. You're far away from the next neighbor. A surprisingly great fine for us.

John Thompson

The best way to sum it up is "WOW" ! Breathtaking views hiking trails for every member of the family. Young trails .2 miles long up to a CAVE! Medium trail that was 2.6 miles each way and worth the slight effort. The hard trail up to the peak to work up a sweat. We brought our 2 year old Pointer (on a leash) and hit the Medium trail. We had a great day. Camping is limited but can handle any sized RV. $30.00 per night to camp. Day use up to 4 people for $7.00 per car. Walk in or bike in? $3.00 per day. A beautiful state park.

J Springer

Beautiful hiking trail on West side of Picacho Peak, perfect for breath taking sunsets. Nice rest rooms, pretty standard camp sites. Proximity to I-10 was less an issue than expected.

Mr Bill Bowling

Hunter hiking trail AKA Hell. A beautiful State Park with a lot of Ariel views. Restroom and camping available $7 entry fee per car. The trail that I hike to 3300 feet to top of Trail was Hunter Trail. The easier Trail would be Sunset. The only thing to do is hiking or camping.

Charlie Shin (Dronie.Charlie)

A beautiful state park. Poppy was in full bloom.

Al Smith

Outstanding State park if you want to get back to nature in the dessert. Bathrooms were kept spotless, very spacious camp spots, you have to pay for the WIFI but it is cheap and good. You do have to bring in your own water.

Maegan Valadez

Beautiful!! The hikes here are stellar. Marked well. The roads are paved to the trails. Bathrooms and water are available BUT there is a severe water shortage so plan on bringing at least 3 liters of water per person, especially for the bigger hikes. The childs cave hike is PERFECT for a hike with smaller kids. The wildflowers were amazing. Loved it. Be prepared for the $7/day entrance fee (cash) per vehicle day pass.

Justin Smith

Favorite day hike is Picacho Peak! 4 hour hike with 7 year old.

Piotr Kalinowski

The Picacho Peak State Park is a nice place to spend some time hiking, taking photos, and wondering the nature. There are also campgrounds for those interested in camping there.

Dawn M. Roberts

What a great place to camp and the views are amazing. Totally worth it. They have power hookups but no water for campers so bring your own. We will be back for sure.

Saundra Metelits

It's a beautiful park, but it's really small. The hiking is great and the bathrooms are super clean. Y'all know this girl loved the clean bathrooms. I wasn't freaking out about creepie crawlies getting into places they don't belong 😳😅 All in all it's a nice place to hike with beautiful views. …

Valerie Fields

Lots of places to hike, clean places to camp and nice shower/toilet facilities.

Maria Olea

Love this place... Restrooms are super clean and have a screen door to allow for air circulation but keep the stinging critters out. Trails are beautiful and challenging... First place ive been to in southern Arizona where I've seen grass growing naturally... RV camping allowed, they even have showers available

Jessica Walser

We stayed for two weeks in early Nov. This is one of our favorite parks we've visited this year. The park hosts were friendly and attentive. The bathrooms are clean and there is a dish washing station at each bath house. The surrounding area is beautiful and offers a wide variety of activities from bike riding to hiking, and easy trails that are good for small children to strenuous trails that will kick your butt. If you take on the peak trail, be sure to bring gloves and plenty of water. The Hunter Trail is strenuous but the view at the Saddle is worth it. The Sunset Vista Trail is long and exposed but more flat and easy going for most of the trail. Lots of loose rock on all the trails. It is helpful to have a hiking stick if you have one. I would highly recommend this park for outdoor enthusiasts. There are also lots of birds and other animals for photography enthusiasts or birders.

Dino Pena

It's been 20 years since I visited the park and it is just as beautiful as the last time I was here. The park attendant was very nice. The trails and campgrounds were signed correctly with all the new rules in place. I really enjoyed the experience!

Diane Lind

Real nice park. Bathhouse clean and well maintained. The sites are all basically level with a good separation between each. Hiking trails are interesting from difficult to easy. Sunsets were pretty. CON: lots of road and train noise..... very loud.

James

We stayed 2 nights at Picacho Peak SP site a11 in a 36 5th wheel camper. The campground has easy access off I-10. Check in was easy and the park staff was very friendly. There is only 1 lane at the entrance so if youre out and returning youll have to wait while others are checking in. We had good cell coverage with both AT&T and Verizon. Pay Wi-Fi is available at $3.95 daily. Our pull through site had plenty of room. There was some slope to the site; leveling blocks might be needed for some. Some sites have shelters and some dont. There was only an electric connection, no water at the campsite and not available in the campground. There is no sewer and the dump site is locked with a sign that says it requires a fee. Bathrooms and showers in the campground were clean. There are fire rings at the sites but it is kind of hard to drown out your campfire when no water is available. Flies were somewhat of a nuisance but not terrible. We paid $30 nightly plus a $5 online reservation fee, this is a little pricey for just electric, no water or free dump site. It is a very peaceful campground. One cant hear I-10 noise but can hear trains in the distance. I would return again and not just for a one night stopover. Check out the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway in Tucson if you have the time.

Lisa Ricke

Beautiful this time of year. Bring your own water!

Yodaman Solo

So I’ve been living in Tucson for 4 years now. On various occasions I travel to Phoenix for one thing or another and on my way I would always pass Picacho Peak. It looked very mesmerizing every time and kept telling myself I should pay a visit. I finally decided to go once and for all and boy I wasn’t disappointed. There are various trails you can choose from depending on difficulty. I decided to take the long trail up spontaneously. I made it about 3/4 of the way before I decided to turn back because I didn’t feel prepared to make it the rest of the way. I will probably return well-equipped next time with plenty of fluids and some food, gloves, first aid kit etc. just to be on the safe side. It’s recommended because it’s a tough trail actually and it’s not for everybody. The scenery is magnificent for sure and I love the abundance of the teddy bear chollas which is one of my favourite cacti. I will definitely return again. 👍☺️✌️

J M

Nice little park. Camped for a night. Bathrooms and showers are nice and free. The Hunters Trail hike is aggressive but fun and well worth it. Bring your gloves for the hike, as cables are along the way to assist you, and to help with the near vertical climb towards the top.

Jo Simoes

This is an awesome site. The campsites here are far apart plus they have angled the sites in such a way as to give each camper the most privacy. We can see the sunrise from one window and the sunset from the other side. The desert sunrise and sunset is absolutely awesome orange and pink glows do beautiful

John Fife

Beautiful campground. Sites are spaced well apart and level. Very well maintained. Freeway and train noise, and no water available are the only drawbacks.

Mark Leonard

Can't give this five stars due to the water issue, but other than that this is a nice get away. Decent spacing between sites and if you're a serious hiker there is some nice hiking. I'd come back without hesitation if in the area...

Rebekah Bruce

A wonderful location that we picked for a spur of the moment hike. Beautiful, scenic hike to the peak! Definitely challenging and very steep in areas (with cables at some points), so make sure you're in good enough condition to make it to the top and back.

Leslie Spenceer-Snider

I've driven by this park hundreds of times on my way to something else and always enjoyed the beauty of the peak. This time I focused on this park and I'm glad I did! Really nice campground area, clean restrooms and well kept picnic areas. Beautiful visitor center and very helpful staff. The Mexican poppies were just beginning to bloom along with other beautiful flowers. The trails are good, but i have a fear of heights so i didnt do the famous "vertical" hike. But, oh my, the hike to the north at the very end of the drive is amazing and the sunsets are stunning! Definitely a must do experience! Stayed 4 nights and could've stayed longer. Great location to go see other sights in the area, too.

Georgina Lucas

This park is one of the nicest and most beautiful in the spring. It's a gem to the region and is visited by many from out of state. The flowers are outstanding and everyone takes pictures or paints the scenery here. There is a very nice RV park here and lots of hiking trails that are very popular. Plan ahead and come early.

Linda Hoernke

Picacho Peak has a long history dating back to the Civil War. There is a interpretive trail where you can learn more. Known for the geological formations, this park boasts some of the most beautiful desert scenery in the area. Best hiking is in the late fall, winter and early spring when the wildflowers are abundant. Not much shade so summers are too hot.There is a visitor center, park store, campgrounds, and picnic areas. The trails are rated easy to difficult. Leashed dogs are allowed.

Todd Mowen

What a great state park! I did the hunter's trail to the top. It is a hard 2 mile hike where you need to use cables in steep sections. Not a trail I would take people on unless they are avid hikers or in shape. If you are in shape your gonna love this hike and the view is amazing. I am an avid hiker and I stopped to take a lot of pictures so it took me an hour to get to the top and a little less getting down. Have fun!

May Hresko

Clean, beautiful and has some challenging hikes. Don't miss Rooster Colburn Ostrich Ranch, which would be great for kids, but adults will also find it fun and interesting.

Claudia C

Definitely something to check out if you're travelling north from Tucson. The best time to go is around late winter for the wildflowers. The trails were moderate so wear good hiking shoes. The view was amazing and the rangers were very helpful.

Wesley Bernal

Started off the new year right with a New Year's hike. Nice day on top of Picacho Peak. I have lived in the area my entire life and this was my first time and it was a decent hike, not too difficult not too easy. Path was pretty clean and wide enough most everywhere to step aside and let someone pass by.

Captain's Wife Log

Beatiful place with an amazing view. It was a very difficult hike for me but I don't hike often. If hiking is something you enjoy and want a new challenge, this place is for you.

Tiffany Therrien

Absolutely loved our morning hike & lunch here today! Beautiful facilities including clean bathrooms, covered picnic table ramadas, playground with swings and hiking trails for all ages! Plus the wildflowers are on fire right now!

Garden Tailor

Amazing. My entire body is sore from this hike. I cant believe parents take their kids. I feel like a chicken. Lol. It was a little scary as I am a little afraid of heights. Definitely a workout. Glad they had something to hold onto. I will definitely go back. Heard you can see lava flowing around there. Cant wait to check it out.

Austin Wood

READY TO GO ON AN ADVENTURE? THRIUGH PAIN SWEAT AND TEARS? READY FOR YOUR BODY TO BURN AND TEAR!? READY TO EMBRACE DEATHS COLD EMBRACE AS YOU LOOK INTO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SITE OF THIS STATE!? WELCOME TO PICACHO PEAK! The view is worth all that pain. And if this is your first time ever go early and don't push yourself too hard. Loved this place. Beautiful. Won't come back.

James Potuznik

Very nice trails and polite park rangers & volunteers. Rich was very polite and informative to me and my mother. Trails are done nicely, rocks form around the trail so is easily distinguishable, also have not seen any gila monsters, scorpions, or rattlers. So the theee hour hike was nice and serene. Will definitely hike the 4 mile trail when its not as hot. And always remember to over-compensate your water!

Rachel Klan

Glorious! Even if you can't exit your vehicle the views are spectacular. We got these photos on a 1/4mile jaunt. Children, rugged adventuring types, and those needing accessibility can enjoy.

Kim Sinclair

Where to start? Everything at this park is so beautiful! Stay here !! There are hiking trails, trails for kids trails for inexperienced hikers and a trail that takes you to the peak that will push your limits !! I was sore for two days but loved it! From our camp site we were surrounded by amazing mountains that I could not get enough of! You can see the highway ( I-10) so it’s easy on and off yet you hear no noise. The campground is super clean as are the bathrooms/showers. We stayed a week and I could have stayed a month! Love this place 💕💕

spooky 13

Park: For 7 dollars it's a steal to spend the day. From family friendly trails to WTF did I get myself into trails. Well maintained and very clean park. Ramada for rent or to stop and have lunch to enjoy the beauty. Small sand lot playground for the kiddos. Bathrooms are very clean. Rangers and Host are super helpful. Be sure to stop at the visitor center for the History of the park. Campsites are spacious and not sandwiched in. 30.00 per night. 3 loops with 78 sights. Back ins,pull thrus available and tent camping. All sights are electric 30 0r 50 amp. MUST BRING YOUR OWN WATER. What does this mean? Prefilled your rig. The park is under water restrictions. Bathhouses (2) are open for use. At the rear of bathhouse is 2 slop sinks. Bathrooms are very clean. Group sites are also available. Wifi available for a fee through Airbeam. Even though this is near the highway and train you would never know it. Very quiet park. We will be back.

Sherrie W

We didn't spend a lot of time here, we just stopped by about 2 hours before sunset, but it was very nice. I think it was about $7 per vehicle for the entry fee. The park ranger was very nice. We went up a little on the sunset vista trail, (we weren't able to stay til sunset ourselves but would love to come back and catch it around sunset. The little we climbed up had a very nice view. The park was clean. We had to use a portapotty, which I was dreading, but surprisingly it was very clean and nicer and bigger than I had envisioned it would be inside. They had a children's trail there, so I am hoping to come back and visit with my younger children. So although we weren't there for very long, we had a nice time and hope to make it back for a longer visit.

Carol Sallmann

Hiked Calloway Trail.A nice hike for someone with bad knees! A wonderful overlook awaits those that can hike up 0.7 miles. Rocky but doable. Pristine saguaros..and a few nice delicate flowers. Today is April 1st..and probably more blooms to come!

Kay - Happy Trails Hiking

This is a great state park for traveling to the area! It is right off the interstate and it is beautiful! The campground looked wonderful too! You can see more on Happy Trails Hiking on YouTube!

August Moehrke

Picacho Peak is a wonderful place for a quick, fun, hike. I did Hunter's trail, which is two miles to the peak. It has cables for a good 1/6 of the hike- most being in the back half. A majority of the trail is unexposed to sun, the last leg being the most direct light. If your hands are softer, I would recommend gloves for the cables and scrambling towards the end. I cannot emphasis how fun the hike actually is for how short the distance- definitely worth a stop.

Wes T

Amazing, and very difficult hike/climb. Must have enough water and physical ability. It is partially shaded by itself, which is nice. The view from the top is impressive. The fact that there is even a trail to the top seems equally impressive.

Katie Grimes

What a great park! I can't wait to come back and camp. Did the Hunter trail and enjoyed the stunning scenery, the physical challenge and I finally saw some wildlife-a squirrel and chipmunk.

Doc & Bre On Yonder Roads

Hidden GEM right alongside interstate 10. Awesome views, hiking trails, camping and picnic areas. Visitor center clean and well maintained. Staff friendly and conversational. Very impressed.

Nathan Stewart

Very nice park. Hiked the Calloway Trail as opportunity to get out of car while on our way to Phoenix from Tucson. Lots of stairs, but very scenic along the way. Not too difficult, but will get the blood flowing.

Adam Dunn

This review is particularly for the Hunter's Trail to the summit. First off, if you plan to go to the top please bring appropriate gear: 2 liters of H2O, trail shoes (not nikes), and for anyone without much experience climbing- gloves may be needed. The trail begins right away with some light bouldering and a steady ascent of nearly 1000' in half a mile as you climb towards the base of the first pitches of the mountain, which itself is the remnants of a lost volcano. You'll have a small respite here along the base of the ridge and a chance to reflect on the next 1000' of elevation gain to be done, then begin a short hike up to the saddle. At the saddle the trail continues down the south side pitch with the help of a set of cables. Note the grade and remember you have to climb back outta this crack later. Its steep. And heres why I mentioned trail shoes earlier. Everywhere on this mountain is loose rock scree. You're climbing above people and also near shear ledges. I'm all for personal freedom, but if you're on this trail without proper gear you're endangering others as well as yourself... Now you're on the SE side of the mountain and crossing over to ascend a new set of cables. Again, bring gloves. We went during fair weather and were ok without, but I imagine in the 100 degree summer there'll be lots more sweaty palms. After 3 or 4 sets of cables you'll come up over a ridge and the landscape will open up in front of you for miles on your way to the summit. Pack it in and pack it out✌ March 2019

Cat Warren

Heed the warning signs and bring a lot of water and sun protection. Watch out for bees on the trail to the summit. It may be worth buying a state parks pass to save money if you're stopping at a lot of local parks. The trails close at sunset but the park is open until 10PM.

Curtis Jansson

Beautiful views and very clean park. Rangers are super friendly. Bring your own water. Other than that nice place to stay.

Andy Anderson

Absolutely breathtaking! Easy well laid out hikes and wonderful Park Rangers!

Laurie E

Beautiful place for a picnic, hike, day visit, or overnight. There are trails for just about all fitness levels. The children's cave trail is a short but great one for nice views of the park area. Ramadas have bathrooms with flush toilets nearby (one hopes that those may be updated with low-flow toilets and more ADA friendly sinks someday). Definitely worth the visit!

Carolina Hernandez

Great place to stop and stay for a night, see the sunset, the 🌟 at night and take pictures of the Saguaros. The RV sites only have electricity but the bathrooms are very clean. …

Carolyn LeCroy

Electric, bath house, fire ring (no burn ban), dump, water spigot available, sites good size for RVs. Stayed here to visit Saguaro NP. Only one bathhouse was open, but it was very clean. Site was

Steve Ginter

Recently took a trek up to the top of Picacho peak on black friday as part of the #optoutside movement, but also to burn off some of those indulging calories from Thanksgiving. We took Hunter trail to the top, which was little over a mile up and wraps around the mountain. As you approach the saddle, you will descend a bit before escalating even steeper then the first half, with the assistance of some steel cabling to aid you up. As some of the signs state, the hike is marked difficult, but wasn't too bad for an average hiker. We took roughly 2 hours to get to the top and an hour and a half to get down. Just watch your footing and take your time. The park also had some nice gazebo areas and even a little park for the young ones, as well as some grills.

Katie Fry

Amazing park! Convenient location and easy to get to - great for camping while traveling cross country. Several scenic hikes as well as historic landmarks with informational plaques. Super friendly park staff and volunteers.

Jorge Avila

Great place to disconnect from technology and spend time with your loved ones. Hiking trails are fun but very difficult so plan accordingly - wouldn't bring a child thats 10 or younger as the trail becomes very difficult up in the top.

Taylor Neff

One of the best hikes in Tucson. Be sure to bring some gloves and plenty of water. I do not recommend bringing your dogs. The views are scenic and breathtaking. I would say the hike is moderate but can be difficult for an out of shape hiker.

Jason Braun

We stopped by on our way home to Las Vegas and were glad we did! The friendly and informative staff in the visitors center helped us pick out a short hike. We didn’t go to the top of the peak, just did the Calloway hike and enjoyed a nice view at the end. Highly recommended if you’re in the area!

Marlaine Kaiser

What a great place this time of the year. Alot of flowers blooming and more to come. No cactus yet but there are buds. Make sure you have a camping reservation because they are full every night. They closed the park on Sunday because they were full up.

St Francis

A great Arizona State Park! It's clean and quiet. Amazing sunsets and moon rises. If you are looking for a little isolated camping experience Picacho Peak will accommodate you. Try to avoid visiting during the monsoon season. Other than that, I highly recommend that at least once in your lifetime you visit Picacho Peak State Park.

Camilla O'Donnell

Beautiful views, lots of trails to see. Great place for photos as well. I will definitely come back when the weather is a lot cooler.

Keian Holt

This is tough! We Loved it! I completed it without using the cables. February weather was perfect.

Marquita Ramey

Picacho Peak is off the beaten path. This could be a good or a bad thing. There are 2 Shell stations close by. Shell has a gift shop, Subway, Dairy Queen and shopping. If you want beer; hit up the small hole in the wall auto shop/convenience store on your way up the hill to the park. Everything else is 30 minutes away! Their campsites (Tent or RV) are spacious, clean and all offer electricity for $30 per night. If you just want to hike the trails, parking is $7. Showers are FREE and HOT! The bathrooms are clean and pressure washed everyday. The Rangers are friendly and there's a small gift shop. They also sell firewood. The gates close at 10pm but there is a code if you need it. The mountain views, sunrise and sunset are amazing. I would definitely recommend this location.

Vilija Jozaitis

Yes! Only went on a very short hike on our ride from Tucson to Phoenix, but even with the traffic, totally worth it. Love the saguaros!

Risa Jackinsky

Love, Love, Love Picacho Peak! It is a Magical place. Just came back today after many years and to my very pleasant surprise there was no day fee due to it being a holiday. The ranger was very nice and helpful. Yay! Even though it was a holiday, the trail was uncrowded and absolutely beautiful. Love it here. 4legged buddies are welcome if kept on a leash. And you pick up after them, of course!

403Lala

Life elevated! It's a challenge but if you take your time it's definitely achievable! Take good grippy gloves for the cables and snacks to sit at the top and take in the views!

Johnny Fawks

Beautiful park! Well maintained paths and friendly staff. I have not yet been to the peak. A few days ago was my first time to the park. When you arrive you have to stop and pay $7 to enter for the day. They also have camping. I took my dog to the Overlook at 2274’. Picture and video are from the end of the Calloway trail. From the parking area the walk was only 0.7 miles each way. The path is mostly loose gravel along with a mix of rock stairs. I would suggest wearing shoes with good traction. The way up is stable but coming down can be a bit slippery in spots. Also plan on bringing at least 1 liter of water per hiker if you are just doing the Calloway trail.

Laura A

Great and easy hikes of this state park. $7 entrance fee, bbq pavilions available. Gas station nearby, Dairy Queen and souvenir shop. Great time!

Andrew Jamal

Great park not too far from Tucson. It has some very scenic trails, with some good views. Campgrounds, rest areas, and picnic areas appear to be pretty well kept. Not too much parking on some of the more popular trails, so be ready to park off to the side of the road in some cases. The road throughout the park is paved, making for an easy drive.

Zachary Manchester

Went for an easy morning hike and it's more beautiful up close. Great views and not a ton of others.

Ms. Red

We day tripped inside the Picacho Peak campgrounds today. I was pleasantly surprised! Day fee is $7/car. Overnight camp sites are $30. All camping spots have electrical hookups - this means NO generators allowed. Pedestal has 15, 30, and 50 amp ports. This is a dry campground. You must pack in your water!!! There is trash collection, aluminum can recycling, and a bidirectional dump station. Well equipped blockhouses with flush toilets and showers. At least 1 shower /toilet functionally handicap accessible! There's even sinks in the back to wash dishes in. Be aware there is a severe water shortage so be conscientious about water wastage. Every site has a picnic table, fire ring, and graded gravel pad. Loop A had shade ramadas over every other table /site. Loops B and C didn't have any shade ramadas. Great views, lots of wildlife, fantastic hikes for all levels. Please keep your pets on leash and clean up after yourself.

M C

Camped for two days. Great facility. Quiet. Beautiful. Real restrooms with showers. Very clean. Definitely adding it to places I want to visit again. Only complaint was that the campsite was a little rocky which made for some uncomfortable sleeping.

Allison Rinker

What a lovely park, the views from every direction are phenomenal.

Diane A

Conveniently located close to I70 and near a few stores. Clean park with plenty of places to walk/ride a bike. Very group oriented should that be a need. Beautiful view of the mountains and water!

Ron Long

Nice little State Park. Not a lot to see from the car but nice hiking trails and great picnic spots. Lots of good camping sites and an RV dump station.

James Benton

One of the best hikes ive taken 8/10 rating.. $7 entrance fee.. Camping on site.. Bring plenty of water preferably a camel back

Andreas Proroczok - W1IXQ

Very nice park. Clean nice picnic areas and apparently very nice hiking trails up to the peak. This time of year the weather is perfect.

Daniel Snyder

I like the history I like to in the office just shop. The ladies were very helpful. Campgrounds are nice and clean I hope to stay there one day

Erica Durkalski

So beautiful! The park rangers we're VERY kind and knowledgeable. If you're gonna hike the full there and back, bring lots of water!!!

Frank Osborne

This is a very well kept state park with great hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to difficult. We were here on weekdays in March and the park was half to 3/4 full. You can easily make reservations online. We were in an RV. The camp sites in Eastern part of loop C have a good view but have some freeway noise. Restrooms were always spotless.

Pamela Proulx

Advance reservations needed. Electrical hookups. No water hookups as far as we know. BEAUTIFUL PLACE, gorgeous spring blooming desert. Very clean. Camp Host/Park Ranger closeby. We'll be back!

Lionel Richer

Awesome views, kind and accommodating personnel, power at the sites but no water or sewer. There is a central site for dumping but a water shortage calls for no RV filling of your water tank.

J Brew

This was a great place to hike. I would suggest that the peak is more of a scramble than a hike but it was a lot of fun. There are cables that you can hang on to, bring a pair of gloves.There's great facilities in the park and the staff were helpful. One thing that could be improved is the map on the handout.

Graham Learned (Graham L)

Went for a lovely hike up the Calloway trail today. It wasn't too challenging, but still presented a pleasant experience. Very organic and beautiful! Loved seeing the cacti and mineral covered rocks. End result of the hike was a fabulous overlook with great photo opportunities. Make sure to bring water! It's hot and dry.

Sean Malowney

Great place to get out and explore when you can

Ashlin Cowger

Really beautiful sunrises here! The campground also is one of the best I’ve stayed at.

Amber Klinsky

Lovely spot near the interstate. We had no trouble finding a spot, even pulling in late. Large restrooms with showers. Lots of hiking trails.

Nicholas Rider

Good spot for hard hikes with cables and lots of camping room. Super clean and we'll marked.

Kurt Shockey

What a beautiful almost spring day at Picacho State Park. Here are some spring flowers along Hunter Trail.

Armand Denette

This place is beautiful. The campsites are large and have views all around.

S K

LOVED THIS PLACE!!! Be warned: Hunter Trail is difficult, and the final stretch made me turn and go back.

Deborah Meade

Beautiful park. Lots of hiking trails, the views are amazing.

Covid Lee

Loved this hike. Right amount of danger and adrenaline. The cable parts can be challenging but it's a beautiful and rewarding hike.

Vida Plena

Great place to picnic with family or a little family road trip . So close to tucson . enjoyed every minute

Pilar Montejo

Beautiful but we couldn't do the hike today because we didn't arrive early enough to avoid high temperatures. I must come back to hike to the summit.

Nicholas McLaughlin

Fantastic Arizonan scenery with easy access right off of I-10. Picacho Peak is easy to spot from miles in every direction.

Diana Mian

nice place I go from Cali to Tucson a lot I didn't know there was a state park in there if small has campground has a little visitor Center it was $7 just to do some hiking so I spent a few hours they're very nice and clean some restrooms. The park rangers are very nice and friendly.

James Rinehart

Great views, great trails, great staff, I recommend you come climb a mountain now!!!

Debra McCarthy

Beautiful desert with interesting mountains around the park. Campground is close to the highway so there is slight traffic noise as well as train noise, but didn't bother us. Campground and park are very well kept with nice facilities, including showers. Sites have electricity.

OGZ

Relatively expensive for camping ($30/night) BUT a first rate facility all around! Saguaro cacti everywhere, clean bathrooms, hot showers, flat parking spots, and a unique small outdoor stage!! Check out my photo, I spent a few happy hours with my sax making noise There are even power outlets! and it's shielded from the wind. I may return with keyboard and amp ...

Scott McPeak

Excellent hike, very fun but demanding. Areas of climbing with and without cables. Very much worth every ounce of effort, beautiful views!

Spencer Sasse

Beautiful scenery, but not a lot of walking trails. Maybe about 3 miles total. Price is very good though, at $7 a car

Mike Boulder

Absolutely gorgeous place and the mountain. Depending when you will be there, you might need some warm clothes Been there in summer, fall and winter. Winter time was pretty cool and windy, luckily we had jackets etc. Summertime is insanely hot, so get a hat and lots of water. Gloves - cant say i really needed them, but its beneficial for sure, especially if you are over 50 or have legs/joints/weight problems. There are some spots where you will need to climb literally. One of my favourite mountains. Picket post is another beautiful AZ mountain. Highly recommend both.

Margie Diane Drake

The Hunter Trail, despite being only 1.6 miles, is a challenging adventurous trail. The trail goes to the top of the peak. There are cables in places because it is very steep. It was fun.

jeff hollman

I highly recommend climbing to the Summit of Picacho Peak, if you are able! It's not a climb for the weak or feable! It is difficult and strenuous, but worth it!!!

Elna B.

Fantastic State Park with great hiking! Beautiful in April with the desert in bloom!

Baren Creque

I figured I would stop in and check the place out rather than just drive past it on he highway and I'm glad I did. The park rangers are very knowledgeable and from what I understand the hiking trails are pretty moderate. Fun fact: The translation of Picacho Peak is "Peak Peak"

Della Wood

Really enjoyed our stay at the Picacho Peak campground. The staff was very friendly and helpful and everything was clean and well maintained. I was surprised by the amount star gazing. A nice getaway from the valley, we'll worth the trip.

John Trombly

Beautiful state park with many trails to great views. The water here is not good. Bring plenty with you.

Nick Ilyashevich

Great hike. Definitely not for those scared of heights

Jana Stewart

The Rangers must be doing double duty! Cleanest park ever!

Kevin Yochum

I wish I would have had more time to explore the park. This time of year is too hot. If camping, bring lots of water. Their campsites dont have any.

HerbnKathyRV

Had a wonderful early spring day enjoying the poppy bloom at the state park. Impressive views

Judy Grant

Love PP State Park ! It’s clean and the campground is so scenic and beautiful 🌵🏜 …

Christina Curley

Beautiful stop on our road trip, would’ve loved to spend more time. Staff, including Gerry, were kind and helpful!

Rebecca Kent

Beautiful state park. We look forward to coming back soon! 🥰 …

TerryLisa Moore

Loved camping here in our 5th wheel. You do need to bring in your own water as there are no water hookups or water fill spigots as their well is low. Bathrooms & showers are nice & clean. Great spacing between sites. We love hiking the trails here too!

Eric The Red

First time hiking it and it was worth it. Not very long of a hike, but was a little difficult. Need gloves and plenty of water, steep climb and descent. Be prepared and do your reasearch.

Ron Kingman

We had a nice weekend camping in the RV. Very friendly environment. Beautiful scenery 👌 …

Tamara Fox

Beautiful Arizona State Park right off of I-10. Spacious campsites, trails, great views. A bit of traffic noise, but not bad. Loop A is the quietest.

Rhonda Sanders

Beautiful weather, good wildflowers, nice camping in the group site, good hiking!

J Pokakaa

Beautiful park. The rangers had a lot of information on the park and surrounding areas. I think it was $7 for the car load.

Jeffrey Haines

Most beautiful campground I ever seen. I can't describe the view when we went to bed and woke up for the sunrise

Samantha Hulme

Perfect hiking in spring and fall! Great for kids. Nice clean facilities in the campground. The picture is loop A from the hill behind it.

akavulcan

Great hike, bring gloves, shoes with grip, plenty of water, and a camera.

Barbara Brazill

Nice clean park. Right off of the freeway for convenience. Next to the state park for less money, but then you wouldn't have laundry, a pool or a club house complete with pool table.

Curtis Hasse

Great hiking location! Incredible vistas!

shannon la

Always a classic image going by. The century old haunting yet beautiful history of this old rock. Many stories are told here by Native elders. Many are happy and good. But never forget the spirits who still protect it.

Pam Hargraves

Quiet and clean with lots of hiking trails and picnic pavilion. The memorials are very interesting as well.

Theresa Tesno

Very beautiful, very challenging. Very small area to sit once you summit. Do not bring dogs, do not bring children, do not try to get to the top if you are out of shape or unsure of your hiking skills, didn't bring at least light gardening gloves and really good hiking shoes. There are sections that you will need your upper body strength to basically pull yourself up. While I was there, cables were out in some places so you were straight-up free climbing. The trail is pretty well marked, but I got confused in places. There are some places with very steep fall offs. People have died here-- due to dehydration. Bring way more water than you think you need. It's crazy as a Midwesterner, but you never really get uncomfortable until it is too late. The locals told me this, but I didn't believe it until I took off my pack and it was literally dripping wet with sweat, but my body was completely dry. People do get injured here, though. A man earlier in the day had to be rescued because he went over the side and broke multiple bones. Remember-- when you get to the top, you still have to get back down. Which is way harder, especially considering that the cables were out in areas and you are free climbing down. Take it slow, because there are areas with lots of loose gravel. Take it slow and take breaks on your way up so you have the energy to get back down. It was very congested in January when I was there, which was annoying, but also nice because I knew if I got injured, there were plenty of people around. Rewarding? Yes. But know yourself. If you start to think it's too hard, it only gets harder, turn around. The saddle is absolutely beautiful and I actually liked it better than the summit. Bring lots and lots and lots of water and some food, and give yourself enough time to get up and back down before the sun sets.

Jason McFarland

It was $7 to take my car in and it was a beautiful place to see some amazing sites.

Cara Prior

My hubby Scott and I are currently enjoying our 22nd Wedding Anniversary at this serene location. Perks: Campsites are spacious and well spaced. Campsites are nicely groomed. Campsites accomadate RV and tent camping. The view from each of the campsites we have had the pleasure of glamping in have spectacular. Although there is a dump station and potable water available, it is inconvenient to have to unhook your electricity and pull out of your campsite if you need more water or to dump.

Michelle Yarbrough

A favorite park of ours. Rode Casa Grande to Picacho Peak.. and back to see all the desert spring flowers in bloom. One of the best places for flowers.

Natalie Villegas

Beautiful state park. Be ready for rocky trails and have hiking boots these trails are serious business

Be Me

Another fantastic visit! Palos Verdes (trees) were in full brilliant yellow bloom, very green and lush veg against the stunning red rocks. Great sites, incredible views for $30 night at this time. Great stop over enroute, always want to stay longer!

Rafael Arroyo

Amazing hiking place with different levels of hiking trails.

Lincoln Pomerleau

Beautiful well worth it. Make a reservation during high season.. We were here in the middle beginning on March..

Katherine Hawkins

Short, but steep. Nice trail and fun hike.

Brandon Hamilton

This is a hidden gem. Very rare to find electric hook up with waste dump available at State Park. Spot was private and so very beautiful and Serene. We were surrounded by exotic cactus and the bathroom was clean, heated and easily accessible. Did not make reservation and we're still able to easily get a spot and pay with their instructions at the entrance. There is also an RV that stays there on site to help if needed which we didn't need to utilize. Wish we had stayed longer, wonderful for star gazing.

Darin Lesmeister

Beautiful desert atmosphere. Great place to hike. Friendly helpful staff

Maggie Wagner

The hunters trail is quite challenging but the views from the peak are worth it! The decent is almost harder than the ascent, navigating over loose gravel and steep declines.

Sean Steele

Park is really nice and quiet. Restrooms are huge and the water pressure is great.

crystal gookins

I'm sure it is a beautiful hike for those experienced hikers which I am not LOL the 15 minutes I was on the trail seems pretty cool really steep and slick after the rain..

John Refoy

Nice, open area for camping. No water hookups.

Ashley Potter

Absolutely breathtaking! Greatest experience ever! We will definitely be back..

shawn latorre

Gorgeous state park with hiking trails and Picacho Peak within view. Electrical plug in at each site, but no water. Water is available for showering and flush toilets in their beautiful restroom. I recommend for a night or two of breathtaking views of the peak and Saguaro cacti!

Masala1

This state park is awesome! Trails are easy to walk had picnic areas all around 🤗 …

Lucy D

I'm so in love with this park!! Hiking all the trails never gets old. I would post lovely vistas and quirky cacti, but I dropped my phone!!! Yep. Off the side of a massive rock face near the peak. Good job! Anyway the campground is so pleasent and peaceful, nothing beats the night sky views.

josh thompson

Wonderful staff, amazing hikes. Strenuous but doable. Bring water and a hat.

Jose “DJ GETDOWN” Anthony

A challenging height but the fuse and the experience was worth it I plan to come back soon and do the other trails

Kim Wang

Spring is so beautiful there. There're a few options between very easy to very difficult hikes which you will not regret trying

Dee Skirvin

Great place to hike, camp or bird watch. Lots of hummingbirds year round, curved bill thrasher, cactus wren.....

J Ban23

Beautiful stunning place and excellent hiking

Jay B

Great hike up to the top. It is short but very steep. I highly recommend gloves and please do not attempt if you are out of shape or if it is super sunny and hot. My friend and I did it very early and were out of the sun most of the time, and we hike often and were both still a little gased in the end. Bring plenty of water.

Mark T

What a fun park if only for the fact that I hiked Hunter Trail. It's not for everyone, but if you are fit, it's lots of fun.

Ryan Snowley

Stay Here! This is right off the highway but you feel like your in this beautiful area with incredible landscape.

David Duran

Went 4 a drive in my A-bone , I'll be back to do some hiking. Beautiful day.

Dennis Elliott

$7 per vehicle for up to four people and $3 for anybody extra it's a small drive but it's pretty ride

Mark Greaves

It is a great hike/climb to the top, but pretty intense - don't attempt if you don't like heights or serious rock scrambling

jeremy dando

A really great trail up the peak. First two miles are runable, the last mile is a cable assisted hike. Bring gloves

Howard Smith

This hike was clearly out of my comfort zone, but I made it to the top. Not for the faint of heart.

Helena Tselos

Spectacular views, interesting plaques, well documented history, great staff, cute gift shop and really clean bathrooms. (Always a plus)

Leif Lustig

Beautiful park with nice sites, great trails and awesome views.

Nicole Fogelman

The ranger at the booth was friendly & helpful and suggested we do the Calloway trail (moderate 1 mile round trip) which was perfect for what we were looking to do that day. This park is a must if you love cacti.

Kimberly M Gustafson

Pretty park. Nice trails

AdaM

Fantastic hike great history.

Ted Osborn

My family loved it! We drove from Tucson again the next day and explored further.

Chuy Valenzuela

This a very nice place for a hike, it's a strenuous hike when get closer to the top but worth it. The view is amazing from the top

Steve Dacosta

One of my favorite stops between Phoenix and Tucson. Bring plenty of water if you’re visiting anytime between April and September!

David Archer

Great park! Definitely worth the $7 entry fee. Hunter trail is a beast of a climb. Bring gloves for the ropes. Calloway trail was a good little hike too.

Skylar Mason

This was one of the most difficult hikes I've ever done. You have to use cables to get up amd down some of the really steep rocks so I would definitely suggest bringing a good pair of gloves, even if its not hot outside. Overall it was beautiful and a very fulfilling, yet challenging hike.

Heidi Shapiro

Our camping experience with the boy Scouts was fairly pleasant. We were not told at the gate or anywhere on our reservation that we were going to have to bring our own water. We then had to run into Eloy and marana for water. Had we been told that we would have been prepared.

Franchessca Bindel

Perfect in the winter, beautiful view! The capsites are a little too close together but it's fun if you're camping with friends. You can see tons of trains from the site (but they are quiet) There was a lot of thorns but I guess you can't help that. Overall very fun would recommend.

Michele Petersen

Civil War buff.... well you want to hit this AZ park.! Nevermind all the natural beauty. Great hiking.

Shaun Hawk

Great hiking, amazingly nice showers, lots of history, great experience.

Lish Houston

Magical! Been dying to see Picacho since I read that book the host forever ago. I love history - got goosebumps being here! The 49ers were on this road, civil war battle - the fact that it's been a staple landmark since prehistoric times for travelers just blows your mind when you can stand where they stood

Alex Tellez

Amazing hike very beautiful area and extremely clean and well kept up. Love this place for day hiking

Janine Davies

Nice hiking area with plenty of beautiful scenery.

olga ibarra

I loved Pikachu pic it's changed a lot since 30 years ago where we used to go when we were kids has more picnic tables and bathrooms and that was great I had a great experience!! ❤️

PamK

Most beautiful, inexpensive, state campground showing off the saguaro landscape. Right off I-10 close to Tuscon. Clean bathroom, shower buildings. Water and dump station, electric or non-electric sites. This is a must do when passing thru with an rv.

Katherine Hill

We really loved seeing the beauty while visiting. Clean facilities and very helpful friendly staff!

D Stooks

A great and different hike involving pulling yourself up using cables because of the radical elevation change. Definitely wear full fingered gloves and do not attempt if you have knee or ankle problems. About three and a half miles round trip with an 1800 elevation change.

Carolyn Kraus

Great place for a hike and pictures!

Audrey Coffman

The park was gorgeous, wildflowers everywhere! We just stopped briefly for a picnic lunch and didn't know the park was so popular. The wait was a out 20 minutes to get in and through and paid for the day, not bad. Can't wait to go back and do some hiking when time permits.

Ashley Fountain

Awesome incredible challenging hike that’s well worth it! There are sections that are steep with cables, which makes it a pretty cool experience. Definitely recommend!

Antonio Montana

Beautiful state park with great hikes. The flowers and cacti look beautiful and mountain is majestic. Bathrooms and picnic areas were very clean and well maintained. The hikes available are available for different difficulty levels and are well maintained. Well worth the 85 mile drive from Phoenix.

Kathy Chavez

Wonderful day for a trip to Picacho Peak State Park. Flowers were beautiful, weather was too!

Julie Andrews

Very clean,quite, and friendly staff. Dry time of year as no water to fill camper. Did tell us upfront, and how fat it was to the station to fill with water. Not their fault.

Michael Faith

Decided to hike to the top despite being warned against it by a ranger due to the heat (>100). Listen to the ranger 🤣 If you must hike it, start at sunrise. Pretty cool formation, all in all. I could have done without the pseudo-via ferrata stuff, personally. It would go free at 3rd/4th class. Water pressure at the spigot is pitiful and the water itself is easily 80 degrees--bring your own. It took me 3ish hours (45 minutes to the saddle) starting at 1pm. The backside feels MUCH hotter due to all the heat radiating off of rocks that have been baking all day...

tyson willard

Awesome clean park. Hiking trails was well care for. Views are epic

Chuck Linn

Fantastic hike today with the help of guide, Charles. This guy is THE BEST! He was personable, knowledgeable and MORE than capable. The hike was long and difficult for my experience, but manageable because of Charles. If I do this hike again, it will be with Charles or won’t be done at all.

Adelina Welty

The Camping grounds are tucked within the mountains and the spaces are wide enough it doesn't feel your camping on top of one another. There are many trails to hike with such beautiful scenes. Perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Art Herman

We stay every year on our way West for the Winter. We are birders and get Gilded Flicker, and other desert birds. It's very quiet, except for an occasional train passing by. Great hiking trails!

Cale Spolsky

Awesome views. Great day hikes

Andrew

Awesome location for viewing the stars at night. Nice night for teaching the kids about astronomy and night photography.

Kalli Moon Adventures

If you are looking for a challenging hike, you found it! The hunter trail to the summit is not an easy hike and is approx 2.7 miles up. There is a few parts where the metal railing is needed to pull yourself up the side of the mountain. Great views all around, and wildlife to see!

Chris Ballard

Extremely difficult hike steel cables are anchored in sections to make it safe but worth the effort for the views and bragging rights

Cindy Roberson

Beautiful. Great warm and friendly camp hosts. Breathtaking sunsets. The view is the stars is amazing. The park is very well maintained. Section "C" is the area to stay at. Here you are not looking over the tops of the other RVs so your views of the mountains is yours to see. The only problem we had is that the drinking water was high in nitrate, so....we couldn't drink or cook with it. This is a deffinate stop on your travels.....just bring plenty of drinking water or what ever quenches your thirst. Happy and safe travels.

Eric Jackson

During wildflower season, around February and March, I'd rate a visit to this state park with five stars. It can be extremely beautiful! In the time of year that is hotter, though, you need to plan your visit very carefully, as there is very little shade.

Renats Stozkovs

The two of us stayed two nights in our truck camper and loved it. The cactus are superb, with many saguaros on the surrounding hills and around the campsite. We took two of the short hikes, with great views and were sorry we didn't have time to climb up the peak. The bathrooms were clean and well cared for and...

Maria Cupery

Wonderful place to stop for lunch or a driving break along 1-10! $7 gets you a nice variety of shaded picnic tables and some fun very short hikes (we did Children's Cove) that will help burn off energy, see lots of kinds of cacti, and enjoy the amazing views that come with a little elevation. The ranger was kind and helpful and the bathrooms were super clean.

Don Milligan

Absolutely love this park, great hiking, bring some gloves for the cables.

Eric Miller

Wonderful stop off of I-109 in Arizona and well worth your time. You can find camping, hiking and a very nice park here. Very beautiful scenery here. The Spanish used the unique shape of this mountain for navigation. There was also a Civil War conflict here which they re-enact I believe.

Rachel Buck

We were greeted right away by a staff member who was standing at the entrance before we even pulled up. Easy check in. The park is quiet and doesn't look like much but has nice trails and some history to learn there. Beautiful scenic views from the hikes. we didn't spend tons of time there but a nice place to stop for a day or two.

Rick Nagel

Excellent facilities. All RV campsite roads and spaces are blacktop and fairly level. We were there during the off season so practically had the park to ourselves but the campsites are spacious enough to not feel cramped even if the park is full.

Lynette Loew

Really pretty desert right off the highway! Several of short hikes great for kids or a quick stop, and a couple of longer more strenuous hikes up to the pinnacle of some nice mountains. Lots of saguaros and other desert vegetation and a few birds (in November 2019). $7 entrance fee per car (4 ppl).

Kevin Cantrell

This hike/climb was awesome. The journey was better than the final destination. I took the Hunter trail and can say that it was a serious workout for the short duration. The cables were helpful for maintaining a good pace for the hike. Plan for 3+ hours for the average hiker.

jeff Zacher

I have driven by Picacho Peak numerous times when I am driving on I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. It is always a landmark to know that you are halfway there but other than that I really did not know anything about the park. We just camped here for the first time and the campground it's in really good shape. It is just absolutely beautiful right now with all of the desert about as green as it ever will be. Would definitely come back here again

Lorraine Nicolette

We very much enjoyed this State park and will stay again. The rest rooms are always clean, as are the hot water showers. The sunsets are BEAUTIFUL!! Hiking is good. Or even just a walk along the road.

Miranda Bard

Pleasantly surprised that there were great showers and changing areas in the bathroom! Very clean and spacious. The campsites were nice and not too close together. Saguaro cacti were all around the campground. Close to the I-10 freeway, but could not hear the traffic. Less than an hour from Saguaro National Park, which worked out well for us!

Melissa Ann

This area is an enjoyable one to visit. It's peaceful taking in the desert views, the stores are full of interesting pieces to look at and friendly people to interact with. With our child exchanges being located here, we have lots of time and are here often enough to really reveal in the moments.

Kevin C

Gorgeous place. Electric hookup only, kind of expensive, and wifi costs extra.

jim palmer

Place is great. The camping is quality with electric hooks, fire pits and super clean bathrooms and showers. Trails are great but fair warning - some are steep with cable guides to climb. Not for the weak.

Mary Sunne

Pretty low desert with cacti that are twins (two grow from one base). Big clean spots (many pull through) spread over a large area. Meaning you don't see neighbors twenty feet apart. A low rumble of road and train noise a mile or so away but not too bad. Great hiking trails. Incredible rock formations with many small caves. Look up the history of this place. Arizona's only place that a Civil War battle fought, most southern. Amazing rugged terrain to think they were fighting over! Lovely in November-40's at night, 80 during the day.

Greg Stemmler

Great campground ! A minute off I10... Power only , with dump station.water high in nitrates, so bring plenty. Great hiking trails ! Rank as the most difficult I have experienced.bring water , and allow 4-5 hours.not recommended when hot season

Glenn Mulloy

If you liked or found my review useful please like it thank you. I'm an annual passholder of the state parks this is when I come to two to three times a year fun hike. Come prepared gloves for the cable water for the Heat. I would suggest not on the weekend when there's a lot of people that's usually when you're waiting in line to get up and down the cables. There two routes do them both they're both interesting and spend some time in the park it was a very clean they do a good job there.

Joey Ambrose

Stopped off at Picacho Peak State Park just as the sun was setting on our way to Tucson. We drove all the way to the West side - I think it's Sunset Overlook or something like that - and caught a gorgeous sunset. I'd love to spend more time here to see more sunsets, the wild flowers, and do some hiking.

Renae Dineen

Beautiful area, hard hike!

Kat Adams

The route to Picacho Peak is steep and twisting, with steel cables anchored into the rock in places where the surface is bare. Really fun trail!! Huge bonus: blooming saguaros 🌵 and lovely park staff! …

Ben D

Amazing and fun hike. Went up and back Hunter trail definitely a difficult hike past saddle as cable needs to be used to ascend nearly vertically and to keep you on the trail. Highly recommend wearing gloves.

Brooke Butterick

Great hike! Not a challenge for seasoned hikers, but beginners might be cautious, but it's doable. There are places you need to pull yourself up with the help of steel cables. The views are amazing! I've done this hike a few times early morning and the trail is only lightly trafficked.

Megan Hymers

Well maintained, clean ramada area with picnic tables. The park employee was very helpful and friendly when we went into the visitor center. Beautiful cactus flowers and other plants still blooming. A crow flew over the picnic area and we watched him circle around. A peaceful afternoon.

Kathy Reese

Love this place! The scenery is so beautiful!

Fred D**** 4

A great hiking experience, but not for the faint of heart nor those afraid of heights. No special gear is required, but cables and catwalks along cliffs are present on the on the southern face after the saddle is passed. Amazing views. We did it at sunrise in July to beat the heat and were back in the parking lot by 9:30ish.

Harris Rosenberg

A great place to stop while traveling between Tucson and Phoenix. Even if you only stay for an hour there are incredible photo ops available. Giant Saguaro oversized low-altitude Cholla. And of course the beautiful background silhouette of Picacho Peak is incredible. You will get a better photo of Picacho Peak if you arrive before 11 a.m. because the sun will be in the East reflecting on the mount perfectly. But still I was there afternoon and got some great shots. Nice Ranger Station friendly very helpful clean quiet. A really great place to go.

P K

We have hiked the Callaway Trail a couple of times in the last few years and it is a relatively easy hike and very good for infrequent hikers and those in average to below average physical condition. It's short and the elevation is only a few hundred feet on the way up. Also, very beautiful in late March when the cactus is in full bloom.

Scott

Amazing state park. Scenery is spectacular, and, what a fantastic place to hike. It was 110 degrees when I visited, so no hike for me. But the loop drives and the picturesque landscapes make this a must-see location.

Denise Crandall

Free entrance today to AZ residents. Park kept incredibly well. Roads in good shape as were the picnic areas and trails. Looked to be large camping spots. People had ginormus 5th wheel campers and RVs here!!! Looks to be enough room for manueverability of these " land yachts". We didn't camp but from what we saw it looked nice. Many laid out trails of varying difficulty. Ample parking and decent ample restrooms. People on foot and bicycle. Very nice park. Easy in and out. All the employees we encountered were welcoming and friendly. Yes, You can see I-10....but it in no way detracts from the incredible vistas all around you. Beautifully maintained.

paul porter

Been here many times. The hike to the peak is a challenge but very rewarding. Don't do it on a hot sunny day... take lots of water... gloves if you have soft hands... a camera for sure. I've found the trail around the back side easier on the knees but longer. Camp grounds have some train and highway noise. Wifi is not free, 80+ TV channels with a simple antenna.

Hamish Brown

Amazing hike with spectacular views of surrounding landscape

Scott Arnold

Excellent clean facility great parking and trail access.

Jon

Enjoyed the hike to the top of Picacho Peak. Plenty of parking in the lot at 8:00 am on a Friday morning. $7 isn't a lot of money to spend to enjoy such a great place. Whole family enjoyed the challenge of the hike. Cables were not easy but not difficult or frightening for us. Just right for teenagers with some experience hiking. Fairly clean trail and well marked also. The top of the peak is littered with pistachio shells.

Bibi Salas

Beautiful park. Great hike. Great facilities.

Michael Teschler

So clean, so nice! The campground is very well maintained, showers and baths are equally reflective of care. RV spaces are a good size, electricity on site, but no water or sewer, but they do have a dump station. Panoramic views of those Az skies!

Michael Ray

Beautiful desert camping. Exceptionally clean bathrooms with free showers (although the camping costs $30 per day so... However, all sites have electricity available, so pretty great still) Saguaro, Cholla cactus abound, amazing vistas, and very quiet. Great birding!!

Maury C

Great campground. Camp spots are well spaced apart for privacy. Lots of big saguaro cactus in the park. Nice mountain views. Good picking trails. There is a memorial for the battlefield of the Civil War and it was the most Westerly battle fought in the water. They have electric here and water available to fill your tanks in the RV. The bathrooms is clean and very nice. Camp space's are large and room for a good size RV and truck.

Magdalyn Lowe

Awesome! Heed warning signs though this is not an easy hike in spots you really need to use the cables and foot holds can be located far apart. Make sure to be prepared for changing climates, windy at the top. Gloves and water advised plus have day light.

Echo

Winter rains were heavy in sunny Arizona this year [2018 - 2019], so the flowers are profuse. Quite beautiful to see hillsides snd the tiny mountain covered with flowers. Most unusual to see cactus with flowers around their base. If you go up the hill a bit, there is a terrific view to the east. Walking is moderately difficult due to rocky terrain. There are paths to take. It is always a bit windy. You will need a hat and sunscreen if you're going to be out for more than 15 minutes between April and October. Wear shoes suitable for walking on and over rocks. Take a water bottle for each member of your group. You need water year-round for this park. There are campgrounds; fees vary depending on how long you will stay. You can picnic in a campground or in your vehicle in the parking lot. I opted for the parking lot, as I couldn't stay long. Clean up after yourself. Park rangers were professional and friendly. They know the area. Picacho Peak is about 45 minutes from the Chandler town limits. There are a few businesses on the east side of I-10 [Dairy Queen has been there for years]. Most are eadting establishments and gift shops. This is a state park. It is worth visiting year-round.

John Bethel

Beautiful scenes we dis not do the hike to the peak but can only imagine how beautiful it would be. Cost 7 per car 30 to camp electric at each site water on the way in and a dump station on the w as y out. Overall worth a stop

Vanessa Glady

No matter what time of the year I stop by, I am impressed by the beauty of the mountains on both sides of the highway. The staff is wonderful. The Ranger said the flowers are starting to bloom so we should see a beautiful collection of flowers in the next few weeks.

Tanvir Mohammed

This park had the best and cleanest restroom I've ever seen in a state park. My only gripe is this is close to interstate i10 so you can hear some light traffic and occasional trains passing by. But overall seemed like a great place.

Sarah A

Camped here a few times this summer. It is gorgeous and there are flush toilets and free!!! showers. Be mindful of the heat, people have died hiking in this park. Only complaint is that twice I have found the ranger on frontgate duty to be rude while handling check in. Different individuals each time, but both seemed utterly displeased. Dont get me wrong, Im not usually smiling on the job either and Im sure campers can be awful customers, but it makes me wonder what theyre going through 😅

Beth Hardesty

Wildflowers are starting to bloom and are very pretty. With so much rain this year, the park was beautiful with all the different colors of green going up the mountain, a surprise in the desert. Plenty of restrooms and picnic areas.

Cindy Atherton

Beautiful desert camping in January. Large spacious sites. I recommend the back-in sites if you like to put out your awning. The pull-throughs are narrower. Pleasant staff! Nice hikes for all levels.

Dominic Sacchetti (Dominic S)

This is a fun, but challenging hike. Make sure you bring gloves for the steel cables, some areas are very steep. Also, bring plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters per person) sturdy boots, a hat, glasses, and sunscreen. If you are looking to conquer your fear of heights, this is a great place. Some some sections, especially toward the end, are practically vertical ascents. After the saddle point, this is a completely exposed hike. The best time to hike here is between October and April. Avoid attempting this hike in the middle of summer because of the heat (obviously) and potential for sudden afternoon thunderstorms (not as obvious). The summit can be a bit crowded on weekends but it is worth it for the view. Just don't get too close to the edge because there is absolutely nothing between the peak and, well, the bottom.

FRED MEYERS

Our hiking group (9 seniors) hiked the further trail to the peak that begins the climb with a 25 to 30 ft. very steep climb that was like rock climbing. The second trail down ended at a different trailhead and parking lot (closer to ranger station); it meanders down the mountain and through the desert. The numerous cable climbs / descends require good flexible gripping gloves and the climbers must be physically fit. A very challenging and rewarding hiking experience! Recommend no pets or young children on the trails to and from the peak because of the need to use cables with both hands. What a climb (5 hours).

Caleb Tidei

A must do if in the area, The hike is difficult and totally worth it. Had a great time hiking and meeting new friendly people, beautiful view for miles at the top. Also, a nice place for plane spotting as the point used to be a navigation aid during the 1950's and 60's if memory serves and random planes still like to buzz the peak at low altitudes. When I was there an old piper cub keep doing passes which did not impress me but an old ww2 plane that I couldn't quite identify, America I'm pretty sure, buzzed twice and that was a sight and sound out of history that I will remember forever. Keep an eye on what trail you intend to use. The shorter trail on Google maps is actually the harder one to follow as it is climbing the whole way.

Alexus Gillis

Good hike with beautiful views. I only went to the saddle and I can comfortably say head the warnings about knee injuries. The hike up isn't too bad but coming down is challenging.

Ace Hoffman

A most incredible hike! Bring gloves for the wire cables that you need to use to pull yourself up some of the sections, bring a hat and plenty of water, and use the restroom before you start. The hike to the top is not for the faint of heart. The first half hour or so is fairly easy, but one or two sections give a clue as to what's ahead -- but only a clue. It gets outrageously steep and difficult as you get nearer the top! Have fun but be careful!

Cecilia S

My first time there. I was visiting some friends who were camping. I loved the scenery. One day I will hike this bad boy peak!! This price is a little high and discouraging for those who are local. The sites have electricity, a fire pit ring a grill amd some have overhead shade. Pretty much have whats needed and a 20 min drive to a nearby city for shopping.

Dianne Janfruchte

Spectacular hike. Thanks to all of the men & woman who’ve groomed this trail! Incredible views, rigorous trails, it was challenging mentally and physically but completely doable! Clean bathrooms to finish it off, it was the perfect day!

Alan Jennings

Great place for hiking. There's a very short easy hike to a freeway lookout, and a moderate one to the saddle (Hunters trail) and a hard one to the peak. Would be nice if the restrooms and spickets were easier to find. Staff is very friendly :)

Bruce Kalter

Very nice but expensive $30.00 per night water and electric. Stayed here one night for nostalagia,this was one of the first parks we stayed 15 years ago,it only cost $10.00 then. Enjoyed it but get State Park pass for discounts. Also stayed the end of June temp. 107 degrees,dropped to a whopping 90 degrees at night. AC units could never bring temp down,moral make sure you have shade for your RV.

Steven Scheeler

Great place to take the kids and old people like me. Lol

Alexis Favis

One of the best hikes in Tucson is the Hunter Trail. It is a challenging hike but the payoff at the top is worth it. It's also pretty fun traversing the cable rope ladders. Being a good pair of leather gloves for those sections and pack plenty of water. There is usually ample parking in the park area, bit it is a popular trail, so can be limited during the spring and nice weather. A small playground can also be found near the base of the peak.

Catina Ivy

It was beautiful. The Rangers are serious about wearing masks in the bathrooms. It is close to the freeway and railroad, so it was a bit loud. The hosts, at our spot at least, were pleasant :)

Vickie Pruitt

This is an excellent state park. Sites are spacious clean everyone has a range and fire ring. Bath house is clean. And staff is so nice and helpful. We will be back in the fall for sure.

Tristin Wright

Really neat place to camp amongst the Seguaros. Spacious camp sites and everything is well maintained.

Ron's Landscape Design and Beyond

Good workout and great climbing, they had rangers there on patrol and make sure you wear proper shoes not hiking sandals like I did.🤣😭 …

Casey LaRue

Hunter trail is awesome! Took my dog up to the saddle, and it's an amazing view! Be warned: it is steep. They call it a difficult hike for a reason. Take water, take breaks, and enjoy the scenery!

Daniel Randolph

Unfortunately we did not get much time here. Our site was very nice. The bathrooms were nice. Considering it's very near the free way, road noise never bothered us. The trails look like they'd be awesome.

Billie Hopkin

The ranger at the park headquarters was so very sweet! She said they didn’t have cash, so could only take a card. We told her we were just going to go snap a couple of pics, so she waved us on thru. Looks like it would be a cool place to visit on a day when it isn’t 115 outside!

Esa Van Dusen

Great place to stop and let the pup run around on a long road trip along I-10. Aside from a beautiful landscape dotted with perfect cacti, take a left at the pay station you can park and walk around along trails between campsites for free!

Sean

Great place to hike and see the views at the top of the peak. All the way to the top and back is about 5.5 miles. This is a difficult hike and should only be done if you are comfortable pulling yourself up with cables. I did it in an hour and a half but normally it can take about three hours

Barbara kneup

Very nice campsite, but no water or sewer

Kim Banks

So, I pull in ask if there's any sites left. The ranger didn't know. So, I asked if he could check....🤔.. He says yes where do u want to camp? I said I didn't know never been here, can I go look? He says no thats not allowed. I camp in my 4runner, so he puts me at a site farthest from the bathroom🙄 Wow.... …

Gail Morgan

Difficult hike, well worth the views

Sidney Hardie

Lots of flowers, but not in full bloom yet. I went early and it was a nice hike without being too crowded. There are lots of parking options, so drive around and choose the best one for you.

Kenyon Kehl

I paid my entry fee to super polite and helpful staff at the entrance. The roads and facilities are well maintained, and happily, parking is allowed along the street when it is crowded at the trailhead. And it does get crowded--this is a popular and unique destination, offering a well maintained trail that is, in some respects, the closest you will get to a Via Ferrata route in the region. It is very steep in many areas, but the cables and steps are well placed and sturdy. The hardest thing is finding ways to get past others moving in the opposite direction. In all, this is a great southern AZ destination--great hike/climb, beautiful views, and convenient to get to. A winter tradition!

Jason Fox

We took vista sunset up to the peak. Most of the hike was pretty easy until we got about half way up. From there it is a series of steep rock wall climbs with the assistance of ropes installed in the rock. I am 45, 265lbs and in moderate shape with no gloves and was able to make it fairly easily. Although my hands were a bit tender. Once you reach the peak it is like you are flying over the valley. You can see everything and have amazing 360° views. Watch out for the bird fly bys and the rock squirrels and chipmunks trying to steal your food.

Michael Thompson

This is a phenomenal state park! A nice visitor center is located at the entrance with knowledgeable staff inside. This was also the site of a minor Civil War battle between California and Texas elements. The view at the peak is grand! The experience level for getting up to the peak is difficult, but children over 10 are permitted to complete it. All-in-all, a great place to see the landscape of Arizona.

Michael Shames

Not a place that you'd want to visit during the summer and fall months. However it has quite a bit of good hiking in the winter and spring months. Not as scenic as some of the sky islands in southern Arizona. But relatively close to Phoenix.

Heather W

Beautiful views and quiet area. A nice camping spot and clean restrooms. Millions of stars at night and good hiking.

Stu

A great place just to watch the sunset with a view

Orion “AlaskanGriz” Thrower

Expensive, but your site has electricity, there is running water, the bathrooms have showers and clean. Sites are spread out so you are not on top of each other and they don't allow generators. The downside to this place is the road noise from the I-10 and the railroad....which operates numerous times a day. Overall, this place is nice. I will be visiting more.

tj III

LOVED the hike to the top. Their rating for experienced hikers is accurate. A few treacherous spots. Go slow and be careful in those spots and enjoy the view from the top. Saw a 6 & 70 year old and many in-between.

Karen Hawes

Love this hike and go all the way to the top of Hunter trail. Start EARLY and bring plenty to drink...you will drink it all, especially if you start late. Wear gloves, too, if you have softer hands. I saw a little girl and grandparents make it, so you can too. Just be patient and persistent!

K Rose S

Awesome hikes, clean bathrooms and showers, friendly rangers, and really nice people camping! I met a super friendly couple while camping in the 110 heat. Did one of the hottest hikes (108F). Worth it and will go back! (When is cooler ;D)

Rea Rollins

So beautiful and peaceful just went for a day

Dan

Beautiful place to have lunch and hike if weather permits, summer is very hot there. Easy access off I 10. Entrance fee is $7.00.

Victor Dramba

Maybe the best place for a close up with Arizona's saguaro cactus 🌵. …

Stephen Bush

Great hike to the peak. Front side was crowded, back side was not. Backside was better trail. The park rangers seem to take their jobs a bit too seriously. Nice facilities with restrooms and showers. Tent camping is a bit noisy with highway and trains nearby. I'd go back.

Beth Neibert

Surprisingly beautiful to a gal from the Pacific Northwest.

Cami Ward

Well maintained State Park. Has a ranger Station that offers souvenirs and bottled drinks. The trails here are more moderate to challenging but has a nice nature trail snd great children's trail. Camping is available as well as spots to reserve for group gatherings and smaller picnic spots. Interesting civil war history as well. #kidfriendly #arizonastateparks

Kevin Talucci

This was not an kid friendly trail. If you an avid runner, hiker, etc. then it is a great trail. Needs a lot of endurance. There are A lot of cables to get up the mountain, not a novice trail. Need gloves, hiking boots, food, and lots of water.

Lacey Davis

Friendly staff, very clean and upkept facilities. Staff was very knowledgeable and willing to spend extra time with every visitor. Cant wait to go back to camp and take a sunset hike. This is a hidden gem in Tucson and directy off of the I10. We will be back and would recommend it.

Heidi Ruegg

Beautiful park. A little too close to I-10 and no water at the sites. Great hiking trails and lots to explore. Overall really good experience.

Rosio Carbajal

Beautiful place. And nice weather

Laurie Heard

It's absolutely beautiful here. Today is March 3rd it's 74 degrees outside. The flowers are in full bloom. A wonderful time to visit! We will come back again.

Richard Huerta

Love this hike. It's is very steep inclines in some areas but they have cables you are able to use. Also wear some gloves as the cables are pretty dirty and rough on some hands.

Huy D

Great place for the experienced hiker! Don't give up, the view is worth it. If you like adventure and are good with your bodyweight, then this is a great place for you

GoVaca Com

Great small state park ,clean bathroom. Friendly ranger great trails. A few short ones and a long one well worth the stip

Sue Bruno

Nice desert Campground. The greeting ranger was exceptional with Information, Efficiency and friendliness. Would probably have given this a five if it were not for the bathroom cleaning policy. A note on the door says the bathroom is closed from 10 until 12 for cleaning, use second building. Second building says bathroom is closed from 10 to 12, use second building. There are only two buildings. Could they stagger the times or at least not say "closed" We used the bathroom during the posted close time and didn't have any issues. Just made us uncomfortable as we like to follow Park rules.

Bill Phillips

Easy to find. Right off I-10. Pay fees at entrance. Gate closed after 10pm. Trails range from easy for kids to hard. The trail to the peak has cables to help you up. Bring your gloves. Group areas for gatherings. Scouts are here this weekend and I heard a wedding was coming up. Campground is electric only with dump stations near by. Sites are large with pull-throughs on the outside of the loop and back-ins on the inside. Plenty of room between you and your neighbor. Nice bathroom and shower facilities. Over the air TV from Phoenix. Subway and DQ at the I-10 exit. And excellent scenery including a forest of Seguaro and sunsets to photograph and brag about.

Jon Sund

This park and its campground is accessible from the interstate highway. We have cell phone service and data service from our provider (AT&T) making it convenient to catchup on our commitments to family and friends. Great views await you in this wonderful park.

Mark Kline

What a great place to stop and enjoy the afternoon! Was about 94* in the valley. 89° at the top of the Picacho Peak. Difficult Hike ! Sunny ! So bring H2O. Only 1800' of elevation gain. Took me an hour to go up. Heard birds, I never heard before. It was green and Beautiful !!

Magdalena Spendel

Hunter trail is a beautiful hike. It's around 2,5-3 hours round trip. Last part is quite hard, you need to climb and use cables to do it.

steve harris

This is a gem of a campground! Our 1976 Coleman pop up fit in nicely with the million dollar motor homes!.

Daniel Straka

This is a very tidy and neat State Park. Friendly staff. Campsites are spaced nicely and ours was quite level. We stayed here in a 27 foot class c motorhome.

ItchyFeetRV

Quiet beautiful, peaceful. No water or sewer at the site but such a nice walk to the bathrooms I didn't even mind.

Don Planchat

Very clean and tidy park. Stores and restaurants not far away.

Sophia Graham

I was not very impressed for the price. Sites have little privacy, and there's a lot of noise from the highway. The showers and restrooms are really nice though, and cleaned daily

Jake Patten

There are some pretty great hikes around Phoenix and Tucson but, if you really want to feel like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, hiking to the top of Picacho Peak is an absolute must. The scenery is pretty good once you've reached the top - we got some great shots of Mt. Lemon bathed in afternoon light - but on the way up it's pretty standard fare. The scenery is not the reason to do this hike, though. The reason to do this hike is because it's an adult playground. Good tread on your shoes and gloves, preferably also with some gripping surfaces, are a must. The trail starts briskly, a Paleolithic version of a Stairmaster and doesn't let up until you've reached the saddle. That's where it gets fun. Now you're heading down some slippery rock faces with only a low-hanging shelf and a metal rope - originally added in the 1920s to service the light becon that used to sit at the summit - to stop you from tumbling off the other side. This portion ends far too soon and you begin hiking again. But this is different. It's steeper, more precarious, and occasionally lined with more metal rope to help you hoist yourself along. Each time you think you've ascended the steepest portion - at some points your hike becomes actual rock climbing - it gets better (read: steeper). And then, too soon, you've reached the top. Have a quick snack and load up on water because now you get to climb back down. If you're experienced, or just looking for a stronger hit of adrenaline, try climbing up without using the metal guides. The hand and footholds are there. Unfortunately, dogs can't go beyond the saddle; it's just too steep and unsafe for hiking friends without opposable thumbs. Take more water than you think you'll need because this is a different beast than your typical hike. If you don't like heights, you probably won't like this hike. This is, hand down, the most fun I've ever had on a hike. My 65 year old mother made it just fine and we ran into a family with a 9 year old at the top, so it should be possible for most skill levels. But you'll be sore the next day unless you habitually climb 1,500 feet of stairs. It's a great workout and a perfect adventure.

Damian Humphreys

Enjoyed the hikes which is a big deal for me. Pleasant atmosphere in the visitor center, good value and good views

Edna Benware

Great camping spot in the winter; rather hot Iin summer. Lots of great trails, hike to the peak requires gloves to pull oneself up cables and over rocks. Site of western most battle of the civil war, reinacted each March.

Bryan Martyn

Fantastic camping experience! Immaculate sites. Far more picturesque than anticipated. Don't be put off by the freeway. Super convenient. Great value. Heading back for more next month!

Evangelina Flores

Just beautiful! Wonderful and difficult hike. Definitely not for beginners but if you make it to the top you are rewarded with incredible 360 degree views.

Sadie & Boo OD

A great hike take the short trail straight up. Do not bring your pets. This trail is not for the faint of heart. You must wear gloves the cables can be brutal on your hands

Brad Underwood

Away from the city but not from recoueces. Makes for a simple fun easygoing get away

Kathy Osborn

Beautiful, spring in Arizona is AWESOME

ItsJustBot

Beautiful place that I always enjoy coming to. I love how places like this don't need man to come in and muck around to make this place beautiful it is well preserved by the workers who I have discovered are very helpful and have me directions when I was a bit lost. I appreciate such beauty and helpfulness out if this place and I will be sure to come back very soon.

Nathan Swartz

Not a bad park at all. The freeway view is interesting, but the noise was that big of a deal. Great hikes of varying difficulty and awesome showers to boot!

Joseph Fazio

Really nice park with lot's of history🌵 …

Clayton VanKirk

Fantastic place for a picnic

Jill Gibbon

Easy to Moderate to difficult hikes. Cables bring gloves. Bring WATER. Clean bathrooms. $7 park fee worth every penny. Can get pretty busy.

Mareeam Faisal

If you like a challenging hike, this is the place for you. They have so ramadas and bbq grill here too. Unfortunately they weren’t available because of fire threat.

Nico Mark

Picacho Peak State Park is lovey! The trail is well maintained, the staff are very helpful and friendly and there is even a gift shop where you can buy drinks and fun themed goodies.

Jesse Shelton

Free showers, big spots, and even had someone come do surveys for a free day pass or 5 dollars off an overnight stay. i was here buying a fifth wheel from lamesa in tucson, they kep saying they were jealous im living here for a bit and said they pass it by everyday on thier way to wrok and seem to regret nwver being able to check it out. The park rangers are alos super nice.

Tracey Herpy

Wonderful beauty.....great environment for RV's / familes to enjoy a rare gem in AZ....full hook-ups for water and, a main sewage dump depot. The Park Rangers are very strict, yet, very friendly and helpful.

Daniel Randolph

Nice park, 45 mins to Phoenix. A little road and railroad noise.

Nate B

Offers an advanced hike up the center of the mountain onto the peak. Took about a hour to reach the top. Bring enough water/snacks so you don't pass out. Also offers an easy trail just to the saddle.

Rose Emma

We took my best friend who was visiting from Washington state and we took my daughter's 3rd birthday pictures there. I definitely want to add it to my hiking roster once it warms back up a bit.

Darlene Athey-Hill (Dar*Dar)

Nice state park with spacious RV sites. Good shower facility and well maintained. Rather barren area, so it'd be terribly hot in the summer. But then... it IS the desert!

Danielle Morando

Great place to relax and enjoy the views...or exercise with fantastic hiking paths! Spacious campgrounds with electricity and picnic tables. The ranger at the entrance was most helpful and informative.

Christie McCormack

Beautiful park, well maintained and quiet. Lots of history here that most are unaware of.

Richard “The Food Doctor” Guthrie

We visited Picacho Peak State Park one day on the way to Tucson, because we had never been there even though we drive past it often. It is a neat place with a lot of history. Worth the stop.

Kenneth Farnsworth

The trail is well kept. It's a fun trail to climb, worth very steep portions with handfuls. It's not as scenic as some trails. You have to be very fit to make it to the top.

Alexander Hesketh

Loved the peak hike even if climbing up cables is pretty freaky (bring gloves!) Not a bad place to camp if you need something right off the interstate.

CARMEN Sander

Beautiful! The cacti were varied and trails were great! The view was spectacular! I would make this park my top 10 in the U. S.

Susana Nguyen

Right off highway I-10. Gas station and subway is less than 10 mins away. Paid Wifi is available at certain rates for # of days, I'm able to pick up wifi signal at campsite B1. Clean restrooms and great views! Sunset is awesome! Desert temperatures and low winds, except when there's a thunderstorm near by. Plenty of mosquitoes so come prepared. Cell phone signal is good.

Deb Heen

Beautiful place. But my friend slipped coming back down from Children's Cave and majorly broke her ankle. People, wear hiking shoes, not ordinary walking shoes. Search and rescue had to get her down.

Jeff Slater

Super fun summit hike

Christine Madrid Overbeck

So many saguaro! Great hike.

Henry Pruitt (Poppy)

Stunning. Spot B1. Great view. Lots of space. Shower close but not an issue. Quiet in the evening. $30 per night.

Sean Callahan

The hike to the top is not for beginners or for people not in shape. Bring gloves, sunscreen, plenty of water and your camera. The hike is worth the effort.

Gene Siepka

Stopped by to see what the park was about. Staff there was awesome and explained about hiking and camping options. Can't wait to visit again once the temps drop a little.

Kathy Jencen

Was a very nice park for a couple of nights. Only downside was no potable water due to water shortage.

Kimberly McKee-Lewis

Beautiful campground with apparently newer upgrades (haven't been there recently). Wish is had some spaces for just car/truck camping so you don't have to pay for the hookups you don't need.

Jacques Wadiche

A bit crowded. Clean showers and outstanding views, convenient location if you are traveling in I-10.

Edward Aites

Interesting little state park close to the main highway between Phoenix and Tucson. Lots of trails, too. It can be very very hot and sometimes windy - dress for exposure and bring lots of water.

Cody Larson

Great scenery and hiking trails.

Cynthia Holland

Stopped on the way to Tucson, raining and the clouds were over the mountains, breathtaking. The wildflowers were in bloom. Beautiful even on a cloudy day. Will return.

Ginger Adriance

We tried to hike Picacho Peak once a year around my husband's birthday. To challenge how fitt we are. Another great hike challenging us.... looking forward to next year.

Roger Nahrgang

Great place to have a picnic and to be able to sociolize with the family. Avoided the restaurant and had a great time. Some even went hiking and enjoyed it greatly.

Diane Godwin Bernal

We were looking for a place to stargaze. This park is super dark at night and perfect for looking at the Milky Way! It had Pavilions with nice gentle lighting closer to the entrance of the park.

Char

So beautiful to see. Wonderful 67 degree day in January.

James Gunter

Only had an hour too check it out but did a quick hike (Callaway) and enjoyed its moderate challenge. Wish we'd have had a little more time to explore the longer trail.

Thomas Shouse

We love to spend the day here in the winter. If you are up for it there are a couple difficult hikes. There is RV day parking and also camping but you will need reservations months in advance for camping. It is popular.

Hasta la Vista Adventures

Beautiful location. Nice big sites. Very clean and well run. We usually boondock, but this was a great place for our first trip in our new rig.

Henry Turner

One of the best so far for me grounds and out buildings in Amazing shape. Trails were lined with stone to mark your course. Lots of wooden steps help the climbs.

Adam Rogers

I used to come here as a kid, and continue the tradition as an adult. One of the best hikes in southern Arizona

Ann O Morha

Love the history of that part of the country. The climate was a joy compared to Phoenix. Left 110 and Humid, to enjoy Low 90s and arid. Nice road trip.

Ceyhan

Lots of fun stuff to do and see

Zak Royse

This is one of the best and most taxing quick hikes in AZ. The straight approach is especially challenging, but you can opt for the longer route up the saddle. Either way your payoff at the top is an unmatched 360 degree view of the Catalinas and the Sonoran desert. A great time to go is March-April when desert poppies and other wildflowers are in full bloom. Be forewarned that there a few spots on the way to the top that require the use of assistive cables, so bring gloves to protect your Palmolive hands.

Dane Eldredge

Great views. Great place to visit. The troopers are pretty Gung ho, though. I was ticketed, even though I had bought my day pass. CYA out there.

Todd Gartman

Nice park to hike and camp. The peak trail is a great hike.

Brian E

Beautiful spot to get away and yet so close. Well maintained ramadas, barbecues, playground, etc. Parking can be tough at peak times (get it?) so get there early and enjoy the views.

Ronald Silver

Excellent scenery with good hiking trails. The climb to the top is for the harty. RV hook ups have electrical only but potable water is available.

Andre

Makes perfect for a nice morning hike. I took the Calloway Trail and the Nature Tail, both were very easy. Definitely a good place to visit, highly recommended.

Maribel Neri

Great hike! Beautiful scenery I like challenging hikes this is definitely one of my favorites in AZ! Cant wait to visit again soon

Phillip Klassen

One of the best views in Arizona. Short hike to the top!

Bill Wojtas

Hunters trail is absolutely awesome! A must go!

Odin Wallace

An awesome place stop. Beautiful views in every direction. Camping and hiking trails are great!

Dorian Ison

What a wonderful place to get outdoors!

Susan Dolezal

Very nice park with several hiking trails. Great campground with 30/50 amp No water hook ups so fill your water tank before.

D. Ryan

Great Sonoran desert hikes ranging from easy to difficult. For the difficult hikes, be SURE you are prepared with equipment, proper clothing and WATER. Amazingly beautiful views.

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