Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views · Wildflowers

A challenging climb to a dramatic summit with great views.

Park entry fee
Leashed dogs allowed only to the saddle

This is the shortest route to the summit of Picacho Peak. A steady and steep climb brings you to the first saddle and a bench. This portion of the trail can be nicely shaded by the peak. There is a very steep descent after the saddle with cables and steps. This portion of the trail may not have any shade. The trail flattens out briefly where it joins the Sunset Vista Trail. Not far after the trail junction, the trail climbs steeply again with scrambling sections assisted by cables. The trail then traverses an amphitheater, which is escaped with a short but nearly vertical section of scrambling where the cables are very useful to make upward progress. The trail also traverses the top of the amphitheater along a cable and plank walkway to gain the second saddle. The final section of the trail is switchbacks to a wide-open summit with broad views to various other mountain ranges in the region.

Note: The cables are very helpful for ascending/descending. Some of the scrambling sections are near vertical and the cables are useful to pull up those sections. Gloves are strongly recommended by the park when using the cables. The park also recommends carrying 2-3 quarts of water per person during the warmer months.

This peak was a noted landmark on the Anza Expedition and on the Butterfield stage route and the site of the Battle of Picacho Pass during the Civil War. There is a monument at the park entrance commemorating the historic march and encampment of the Mormon Battalion near the peak.