Picacho Peak State Park
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Important Information: Due to construction of a new Visitor Center, Picacho Peak State Park will be closed to all public entry starting July 1, 2008. The park is scheduled to re-open in October 2008. Please check here for updates to this important construction project that will allow us to better serve park visitors. Thank you for your understanding.
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Civil War in the Southwest: 
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Brief History...
Picacho Peak was often used as a landmark by early explorers. During the 17th century, dedicated Jesuit priest Father Kino mentioned Picacho Peak in records of his journeys into Arizona, and in 1775, the DeAnza Expeditions passed by the Peak. In 1846, the Mormon Battalion, on their way to California to fight in the war with Mexico, constructed a wagon road through Picacho Pass. The forty-niners traveled the same road on their way to California, and in 1858, mail and passengers traveled this route via the Butterfield Overland Stage. This route is now used by the Transcontinental Railroad.The most significant Civil War battle in Arizona took place near Picacho Peak on April 15, 1862, when an advance detachment of Union forces from California attacked a Confederate scouting party. The battle lasted for 1-1/2 hours, and three Union soldiers were killed. Every March, "The Civil War in the Southwest" comes alive again as over two hundred re-enactors converge on Picacho Peak on foot and horseback. Visitors enjoy viewing exciting mock battles that took place in Arizona and New Mexico during the Civil War. Also on display at the March reenactment are recreated military camps and living history demonstrations.
Trails
Hiking trails at the park vary in difficulty. Weather can be unpredictable. Please be safe and wear suitable hiking boots. Gloves and water (2 liters per person) are strongly recommended.
Hunter Trail: 2.0 miles; difficult; begins on the north side from Barrett Loop and goes to the top of the peak. The trail climbs a resistant path typical of the Sonoran desert. The route is steep and twisting, with steel cables (gloves are recommended) anchored into the rock in places where the surface is bare.
Sunset Vista Trail: 3.1 miles; moderate first 2 miles, becoming difficult; travels on the south side from the westernmost parking area and goes to top of peak.
Calloway Trail: 0.7 miles; moderate; leads to an overlook.
Nature Trail: 0.5 miles; easy; includes interpretive signs.
Children's Cave Trail: 0.2 miles; easy; includes interpretive signs.
Group-Use Facilities
Asterisk(*) indicates areas available by reservation only. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
Cholla Ramada
- Day Use only
- Four picnic tables & grills, water source
- Maximum of 50 people
- Wheelchair accessible
- Electric (lighting and 110 volt outlets)
- Close proximity to parking, restrooms, hiking trails, and playground
- Reservation fee$25.00
*Ironwood Ramada
- Day Use only
- Four picnic tables, group grill, fire ring & water source
- Maximum capacity 50 people
- Wheelchair accessible
- Electric (lighting and 110 volt outlets)
- Close proximity to parking, restrooms, hiking trails, and playground
- Reservation fee$25.00
*Mesquite Ramada (Coming Soon - TBA)
- Day Use only
- Four picnic tables, group grill, fire ring & water source
- Maximum capacity 50 people
- Wheelchair accessible
- Electric (lighting and 110 volt outlets)
- Close proximity to parking, restrooms, hiking trails, and playground
- Reservation fee$25.00
Raven Group Area
- Overnight Use only
- Tents only
- 10 people minimum and 6 units (vehicles) maximum
- Three campsites wit picnic tables and fire-rings
- Walking distance to restroom/showers and water
- Group fire-ring
- Small ramada
- Reservation fee $25.00
Roadrunner Group Area
- Overnight Use only
- Tents only
- 10 people minimum and 6 units (vehicles) maximum
- Three campsites wit picnic tables and fire-rings
- Walking distance to restroom/showers and water
- Group fire-ring
- Small ramada
- Reservation fee $25.00
Quail Group Area
- Day Use or overnight use
- Four, 4-table ramadas with group grill
- Electrification to ramadas
- Large group fire-ring
- Eight scattered campsites with picnic tables & fire rings
- Portable toilets & a water source
- Access to campground's restroom/shower buildings
- Set within all natural Sonoran Desert environment
- Minimum of 15 units (vehicles) required for camping
- 75 person minimum/200 person maximum for day-use
- Reservation fee $35.00
Jackrabbit Group Area
- Group Area is divided into two reservable areas, EAST & WEST
- Day Use or overnight use
- Large group fire-ring
- Large group ramada
- Electrification to the ramadas & water source (coming soon)
- Scattered campsites with picnic tables & fire-rings
- Portable toilets
- Access to campground's restroom/shower buildings
- Set within all natural Sonoran Desert environment
- Minimum of 7 units (vehicles) required for camping, maximum 14 units
- 50 person minimum/75 person maximum for day-use
- 15 units/75 person minimum for exclusive use of the entire area
- Reservation fee $35.00
General Rules
- Littering is unlawful.
- Damaging or removing the natural rocks, vegetation, native wood, or public property is prohibited.
- For your own safety, stay on designated trails.
- Drive and park only on designated paved surfaces.
- Obey posted speed limits and all other signs.
- Keep pets on a leash. Clean up after your pet.
- Quiet hours are observed 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Check out time for campers is 2:00 p.m.
- Trails close at sunset.
Area Scenic Attractions
Lost Dutchman State Park, Catalina State Park, McFarland State Park, Kartchner Caverns State Park®, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Saguaro National Park.