Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho Peak (Picacho Spanish meaning peak) is a 1500 foot monolith and is located at Interstate 10 - Exit 219, Midway between Phoenix and Tucson.

It is a 1500 foot monolith, an eroded resistant lava flow in a sequence of lava flows interlaid with sedimentary rocks known for historical significance and natural beauty.

Picacho Peak is an outstanding landmark in Pinal County used by early inhabitants and explorers.  The area around the peak was inhabited by Hohokam in 500 A.D.  In the 17th century Father Kino performed missionary work during the mission building  era which followed the basin of the Santa Cruz River.  In 1775 the peak was used by DeAnza, the Spanish explorer, to mark a trail for California settlement.  In 1847 it was used by Butterfield Stage as a passenger route.  Southwest Pacific Railroad opened their railroad tracks around the site on March 20, 1880.

During the second weekend in March the site hosts an outstanding re-enactment of a Civil War encampment located on the peak grounds.  There are self-guided hiking nature trails which are graded from easy to difficult and are open all year round.  Magnificent wild flower displays feature the Mexican Gold Poppy which appears normally in February after the winter rainfall.  The cactus blooms start arriving in April.

Fees:

Day use - $6.00 1-4 persons

Camping - $12.00 per vehicle per night

Hookups - $21.00 per vehicle per night

Ample separate spaces for RV'ers and tent camps with electric and water hookup sites, shower facilities. Over 100 campsites. Dump stations available.

[ Up ] [ Picacho Peak State Park ] [ McFarland State Park ] [ Casa Grande Ruins ] [ Oracle State Park ] 

Copyright © 2004 Sunland Visitor's Center
Last modified: July 06, 2005