Picacho Peak's Hunter Trail
Picacho, Arizona
Details
Distance
2.82 miles
Elevation Gain
1841 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Kevin Kaminski
Hike one of the only Arizona trails with cables, handrails, and bridges that resemble a via ferrata cable system. Also get beautiful unobstructed 360 views of the surrounding areas.
If you've ever done the drive on highway10 from Phoenix to Tucson, you've definitely noticed an intriguing looking mountain peak about an hour into the drive. It broadly rises from the earth and tapers off into a point at the top, appearing like an illustration straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. It's called Picacho Peak, and if you haven't already, exit off the highway and check this rad mountain out!
Picacho Peak State Park boasts multiple trails, but the most popular is likely the Hunter's Trail. This 4 mile out and back trail that takes you to the summit of Picacho Peak will not disappoint, especially if you're looking to get that adrenaline pumping. What sets this hike apart from most trails in Arizona is the system of cables, handrails, and bridges in some sections of the hike. This was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps to service a 40-foot light beacon that was installed at the top of the peak for air traffic control, later the Boy Scouts of America added to this, which resembles much like a via ferrata cable system. With that in mind, expect some steep sections of ladders built into the rock. and remember to bring a pair of gloves though you can get by without.
The trail starts straight up switchbacking, gaining almost 968 feet until you reach the saddle. Next the hike will take a twist and descend about 225 feet. And you guessed it- after making that descent you go right back up, but this is the fun part! Now you start to play with the cables and ladders, and the views are breathtaking. As you keep hiking up you'll actually merge into the Sunset Trail. The trail goes around the mountain and ascends steeply near the end, where you'll meet more cables and handrails. Once past all the cables you'll have one last climb to the summit. At the summit you'll have awesome 360 views of the surrounding area.
PACK LIST:
- Park Map
- Gloves
- 4 Liters of water
- Camera
- Snacks/Lunch for the Summit
- $7.00 for parking into the park (fee subject to change)
- Good hiking shoes or Boots
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Picacho Peak's Hunter Trail Reviews
We recently took our family on the Hunter Trail hike at Picacho Peak State Park, and it was an adventure we won’t soon forget! We hiked the trail with our three kids, ages 10, 7, and 2. The older kids are natural adventurers, so they had no trouble keeping up, but we did have our 2-year-old in a hiking backpack. Halfway through, we stopped to take in the breathtaking views and catch our breath before continuing on. This hike isn’t the easiest, and we would not recommend it for beginners or anyone not prepared for a strenuous uphill climb. The terrain is rough, and while the trail is well marked, the challenge is real. It's 2.82 miles round trip, but don’t let the short distance fool you. The entire hike is uphill, and it’s a steady incline all the way to the summit. Be ready to exert yourself! If you decide to take on this trail, here are a few tips: Preparation is Key: Bring plenty of water and snacks. You’ll need the energy and hydration to power through the uphill sections. Sun Protection: The sun can be brutal, so make sure you have sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially since some parts of the trail have little shade. Proper Footwear: Good hiking shoes are a must. The rough terrain can be tricky, and having sturdy shoes will help prevent injuries. Timing: We did the hike for sunset, which was absolutely stunning, but it made for a tricky descent. If you plan to hike around this time, we highly recommend bringing flashlights. When the sun goes down, it gets really dark, and you’ll want to be prepared for the trek back down. The views from the top are totally worth the effort. The panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape, with the sun setting in the background, were unforgettable. It’s a challenging trail, but it’s also one that gives you a real sense of accomplishment when you make it to the top. All in all, we had an amazing time. This hike is a great option if you're looking for a bit more of a challenge, but it’s not something to take lightly. Go prepared, be cautious, and enjoy the incredible views!
5.0
Hunters’ trail is the one that goes all the way up to the top, and I would advise taking that way up instead of through sunset vista trail. Sunset vista trail adds an extra 4.5 miles (round trip) onto the hike! It was such a cool experience. Okay for not very advanced climbers, but you should definitely be physically fit. I HIGHLY reccomend!!
5.0
This is one of my favorite southern AZ hikes because of the cables & the view from the top
5.0
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