Hiking Picacho Peak
January 2023 + February 2024The Specs
Elevation Gain: 1365 ft
Climb: 1700 ft
Total Mileage: 3.2 mi
Hiking Time: 2.6 hours
Rating: Difficult
Where and What is Picacho Peak?
Picacho Peak is a partially-eroded piece of an ancient volcanic flow. (It is not, as one might guess, a volcanic core.) It sits between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Its shape is unique—and is vastly different depending on the viewing angle. It’s easy to recognize, projecting up from the flat land surrounding it, and so it has been a navigational landmark throughout history for travelers and explorers.
The Trail to the Top
Functional Origins
In 1932, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built and installed a light beacon on Picacho Peak for air traffic navigation. To mount and regularly service the beacon, they also established a route to the top, which required the installation of metal rods and cables to make the trek feasible.
The beacon was dismantled in 1965. But the trail was maintained for naive and experienced hikers alike, looking for a little adventure (and a good workout).
To the “Saddle”
While this is not the tallest or longest hike by the numbers, the trail is a butt-kicker because it is so vertical. You start off climbing immediately, first on a mostly-normal rock-and-dirt trail that has a few cable holds installed to give you a preview of what’s to come. This brings you to a nice flat area called the saddle. Take a breath, enjoy the view, and then the real work begins.
Going Down to Go Up
Going Up to Go Up…
…and Up
Fuel Up
On our maiden voyage up Picacho Peak in January 2023, we did not go prepared. (Still being relatively early in our adventuring days, Holly probably protested bringing a picnic on a “short” hike.) Just a couple of granola bars ought to do.
Somewhere between the saddle and the top, we met a group of siblings hiking down (all of retirement age and absolute studs). Randy asked, “Did you have a picnic at the top?! Was it wonderful?” and expressed his regret at not having brought more food. Janice (right) took pity on us and gave us the uneaten half of her sandwich, which she had made with artisanal flair that morning; and her brother graciously bestowed upon us their remaining veggie chip supply.
This time around (Feb 2024), Holly not only packed a picnic, but attempted to make an artisanal sandwich worthy of Janice.
The Happy Hikers
Making Our Way Down
…and down to the bottom of the parking lot where we prematurely parked, thinking there wouldn’t be room for our monster truck further up the loop. (Wrong, but oh well. What’s another few minutes of walking?)
