Hike Picacho Peak in Picacho Peak State Park
Getting to Picacho Peak State Park
On our drive to Tucson to visit Saguaro National Park, we noticed a beautiful mountain just off the right side of I-10 — Picacho Peak. It turns out this rugged summit is part of Picacho Peak State Park, located only about an hour and five minutes from Phoenix. The park entrance is right off the highway, making it an easy day trip from either Phoenix or Tucson.
We woke up at 3:10 a.m. and arrived at the park shortly after 5:00 a.m. to avoid hiking in the summer heat. Trust us, an early start makes a huge difference here. Entry costs $7 per vehicle, and if you arrive before the ranger station opens, you can self-pay at the kiosk. Be sure to pay — when we returned, a ranger was ticketing cars without a pass.
Quick Stats
Length:
3.5 miles
Route Type:
Out & Back
Elevation Gain:
2,112 ft recorded
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Hiking Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak
This trail climbs steadily from the start and quickly introduces you to its most unique feature: cables and fencing bolted into the rock. While they aren’t strictly necessary at the beginning, gloves make gripping much easier — especially later in the hike when the cables become essential.
The trail passes a bench, then dips down before climbing steeply again. Just before the bench, you’ll come across a massive rock wall where the path skirts right along the base. Beyond this point, expect more cable sections and steep scrambles as you work toward the peak.
At the final junction, go right to reach the summit. The last section is steep, but the climb itself is what makes this hike so rewarding. While the views overlook farmland and the I-10 rather than dramatic canyons, the experience of scaling cables and scrambling on rock makes Picacho Peak unforgettable.
Difficulty: Hard — steep sections and extensive cable use, but slightly less demanding than Flatiron.
Distance: About 3.5 miles round trip.
Time: It took us 80 minutes, including photo stops.
Watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer — we saw one near the trail. Shade is limited after the bench, so plan accordingly.
Recommendations for Hiking Picacho Peak
- Wear high-top hiking boots for traction on rocky terrain.
- Bring gloves to protect your hands from hot cables.
- Carry more water than you think you’ll need — Arizona heat is no joke.
- In summer, start early. By 7 a.m., it can already feel too hot.
- Always apply sunscreen and reapply as needed.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect the trail.
Other Arizona Hikes
Picacho Peak may not offer the sweeping views of other Arizona summits, but the climb itself makes it one of the most unique hikes near Phoenix and Tucson. With its steep scrambles, hot desert sun, and cable-supported sections, it’s a challenge we’d recommend to experienced hikers looking for something different.
Planning more Arizona hikes? Check out our guide to the Best Hikes in Arizona for more adventures.
