Picacho Peak State Park is in Arizona.
Understand
editThe Picacho Peak State Park Visitor Center has public restrooms, a gift shop, vending machines and many types of snacks.
History
editThe Butterfield Overland Stage passed through the area. But perhaps even more exciting is that a Union cavalry from California skirmished with Texan Confederate scouts here in the Battle Of Pichaco Pass, an event that is claimed to be the westernmost battle of the Civil War.
Landscape
editHopefully you like Sonoran desert because Pichaco Peak State Park is like a masterpiece of that on display, and then there are near and distant views of topography like the Santa Catalina Mountains to the southeast and the Santa Cruz River sink to the west from the apex of Pichaco Peak. The most singular sight might just be the peak itself though from its base while driving along I-10 or approaching it otherwise.
Flora and fauna
editScorpions, cacti, desert flowers in season.
Climate
editSizzling by mid-day in summer on the desert floor. A little milder in late fall and winter thankfully, but watch out for monsoonal systems in the fall.
Get in
edit- Picacho Peak State Park, 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, +1-520-466-3183. The park is located off I-10, on exit 219; 60 miles south of Phoenix, and 40 miles north of Tucson. Park hours: 5AM-10PM; Visitor center hours: Su-Th 9AM-3PM, F-Sa 8AM-5PM (varies by season);
Fees and permits
edit$7 per vehicle, $3 per bicycle
Get around
editSee
editThe park centers around the most noticeable 3,374 foot Pichaco Peak that rises from the desert floor.
Do
editThere is great hiking to the top of the peak within the park along two trails, with cables and catwalks at certain points near the top. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and signs of heat stroke/overexertion.