MAP: paper map available at the Visitor Center PERMITS: park entrance fee is $7 per vehicle, $3 on foot or bicycle HOURS OF OPERATION: park gates are open from 5am through 10pm DESIGNATION: Picacho Peak State Park (Arizona) The peak is over 9 million years old, even older than the Organ Mountains that tower to the east. The Hunter Hiking Trail to Picacho Peak is a short trail, containing some of the best rock scrambles (replete with handrails and cables) in all of Arizona. Picacho Peak is a 4959-foot high peak just northwest of Las Cruces. Sarah Simon - Apr 15, 2009 5:37 pm - Hasn't voted Park is now open. Stats are to the peak, including the Sunset Trail segment. Hiking Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail. You can’t miss seeing this prominent outcrop when driving I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. Picacho Peak Trail Guide. over 1 year ago. The recreation area has over 15 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails. Picacho Peak State Park: Hours, Address, Picacho Peak State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. It is a great hike and takes approximately 45 minutes to ascend and 30 minutes to descend. Today’s quest was Picacho (pronounced pick-aw-cho) Peak. Hiking Picacho Peak. Whether you are coming from the Phoenix or Tucson area, there is clear signage directing to the Park's entrance making for easy navigation. Hike Hunters’ trail is the one that goes all the way up to the top, and I would advise taking that way up instead of through sunset vista trail. Steven, You may wish to update the park closure notice at the beginning of your Overview section. Skill Level: Beginning – Experienced Types of Recreation Available: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding. Picacho Peak is a premiere destination for anyone traveling down I-10. Picacho Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Hike Picacho Peak's Hunter Trail . It helps create a mental map of where we are in the world. Picacho Peak Location & Information: Located just 7 miles west of Downtown Las Cruces, Picacho peak has several trails for mountain biking, hiking and equestrian use. Overview Between Phoenix and Tucson lies this mysterious peak jutting out of the desert. Overview Picacho Peak is located 7 miles from downtown Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the West Mesa adjacent to Picacho Peak … This is a unique trail with cables and handrails placed by the Boy scouts long ago. a classic southern Arizona hike up the Hunter Trail and down the Sunset Vista Trail via the cables on Picacho Peak. There is a very obvious sign next to the correct trail that says “Hunter Trail To the Top of the Peak”. The Picacho Peak summit climbs to 4,959 feet above sea level and provides stunning views of Southern New Mexico. We always like to start with a bird’s eye view of our surroundings whenever possible. Sunset vista trail adds an extra 4.5 miles (round trip) onto the hike… Picacho Peak is one of those mountains you just have to hike! With a unique look and massive size, its presence is hard to ignore. Picacho Peak : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. Directions: After approximately 1 mile on Picacho Hills Drive, veer to the left onto Barcelona Ridge Road. Challenging but so rewarding! The Hunter Hiking Trail begins its ascent on a series of switchbacks up the northern side of the Picacho Peak. It is a volcanic mountain composed of rhyolite (mostly quartz and feldspar) that solidified at the surface approximately 35 million years ago. There are two trails out of the parking area, so make sure you start on the one that goes right and up towards the peak.