Essential guide to hiking the Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak, one of the most exciting and terrifying hikes in Arizona. Rewarding in vast views and a trek well earned, it’s overall a fun hike for the well seasoned hiker.
Table of Contents
Basic Trail Information for Hiking the Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak
- Location: Picacho Peak State Park, Eloy, Arizona (just north of Tucson, AZ off HWY 10)
- Length: 3 miles
- Elevation: 3370 feet
- Difficulty: hard
- Terrain: rocky, dirt path
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1725 feet
- Type of Trail: out and back
- Who I Recommend this to: seasoned hiker who are fit
- What season did I go: winter
- Gear Recommendations:
- Cell service: no
- Water availability: none
- Special Requirements: gloves, sunblock, parking fee for Picacho State Park
- Must see feature: Picacho Peak, Sonoran Desert views
Map Locations of Picacho Peak
What to Watch Out For
You’ll be hiking on the side of a mountain with steep drop offs. Stay on trail and use the equipment the park has provided for your safety.
Rattle snakes are common in Arizona yet usually between 65° and 95°. Here is what to do if you encounter a rattler. But overall keep your cool, they will not chase or hunt you. Back off, keep your distance and usually the snake will leave when it feels you are not a threat anymore.
Dehydration can be a huge factor to watch out for when hiking in the desert, bring plenty of water.
My Experience Climbing the Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak
I knew nothing of this hike before that January morning except that it would be 3 miles out and back and the climb would be tough. None of that deterred me, I was in good shape and an avid hiker.
In hindsight I’m glad I didn’t research the Hunter Trail up to Picacho Peak beforehand because my fear of heights challenged me multiple times that day.
We started out trek up the mountain early that morning. Luckily my friend, Steph, did her research and knew arrive early because parking can fill fast and winds in the afternoon can pick up on mountains- nobody enjoys getting caught on a peak in high winds.
The first .8 miles are challenging with it’s 1000 foot climb to the saddle where you get you’re first view of the Sonoran Desert down below. A desert so vast and flat, besides the “sky islands” you’d think it was dead and boring yet on the contrary, beauty and life are abundant here.
Resting for a few moments at the saddle for photos, water and views, other hikers passed us and I noticed they were carrying gloves. It was explained to me that they would help significantly while climbing the cables. It that one moment my mind was excited to experience this “jungle gym” and worried for my hands.
Worry wasn’t about to stop me, and anyway, if things got too bad I could always turn back.
The trail from the saddle heads down a bit and this is your first exposure to the cable system. It’s not a super difficult section except for the slippery rocks, use the cables as needed.
Hunter Trail is no joke, it’s tough but rewarding, it feels like nature’s “jungle gym” but with challenges that if not taken seriously can hurt you physically.
After a decent of only .1 miles or so you’ll begin your accent through rock scrabbles, stairs, ladders, cables, and a wooden plank. The trail is well marked yet at times can try your fear of heights if you experience that. (Side note: I’m terrified of heights and did this trail twice, it’s possible if you focus on the trail and the reward.)
After the wooden plank is the last stretch, follow the trail up switchbacks and finally the peak!!
You made it! And the views are beyond rewarding!
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Do not do this hike in the Summer or hot Spring or Fall days. March is a great time for wild flower blooms.
- Bring gloves for the cables and ladders, they can help with your grip and protect from heat.
- Bring trekking poles for the down hill where you can use them.
- If you have a fear of heights the trail past the saddle may be very difficult for you.
- Start at sunrise if you can. This avoids crowds and direct sun of later in the day.
Resources for this Trail
- Picacho Peak AZ State Parks website where you’ll find up to date info, park hours, entrance fees
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- Hiking Arizona book (aff)
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Bring lunch. There are picnic tables in the park to enjoy a lunch after your hike.
- Take in a program at the state park
- There’s a Dairy Queen across Hwy 10 for hamburgers and ice cream
FAQs for Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak
Hunter trail is a short yet strenuous climb where you gain just over 1700 feet in 1.5 miles. There are a series of cables, ladders, climbs, stairs and switchbacks that require a seasoned hiker or someone that is fit. Anyone with injuries should not attempt this hike.
Yes, but only to the saddle. The section to Picacho Peak from thesaddle is too difficult for dogs.
Per vehicle, one person is $10. Per vehicle, more than 2 people is $20. For up to date entrance fees see AZ state park website.
Give yourself about 2-3 hours. It’s a short yet very strenuous climb.
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Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
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