Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Hunter Trail, Picacho Peak
| when |
Saturday, March 13, 2021
|
| where |
Picacho Peak State Park |
| the hike |
Picacho Peak State Park is located about midway between Phoenix and Tucson.
The Hunter Trail begins at the parking lot near the Saguaro Ramada. This trail
has a lot of hard elevation gain. The initial part of the hike will involve
climbing the North Slope to the upper saddle—about one mile with
1,000' of elevation gain. Beyond this point, a series of iron posts and
steel cables are placed in areas where we will cross bedrock or where the
pitch is particularly steep. It is highly recommended that you bring heavy
gloves to grasp the cable handholds, especially on the way back down.
The trail continues along the backside of the mountain and then begins to climb
very steeply towards the peak. At some points, the trail becomes so steep that
some Class 3 climbing is required, again with the aid of the provided steel cables.
The last few hundred feet of the trail begins to switchback one last time until
it finally tops out at the summit, with stunning views of the desert far below.
We will stop for lunch and a well-deserved rest break on the summit.
|
| distance |
3.2 miles total hiking distance |
| time |
3-4 hours |
| EC |
+2921'-3035' elevation change |
| elevations |
1878' (Sunset Trailhead) to 3266' (Picacho Peak) |
| on trail |
100% — Hunter Trail |
| rating |
"B"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? |
no |
| cost |
$7 per vehicle for admission to Picacho Peak State Park.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member. |
| weather |
Tucson |
| leader |
Email the hike leader to confirm.
This hike is co-led by Vicki Reddick.
|
| meet |
8:00 AM at Hunter Trailhead.
|
| drive |
From Phoenix, take I-10 East (actually, the direction
is more southeast) 70 miles to the signed exit (Exit 219) for Picacho Peak
State Park. We will need to check in with the Park Rangers near the entrance
and pay $7 per vehicle. Hunter Trail is located at the southwest corner
of the park’s Barrett Loop.
|