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Picacho Peak State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,459 Google reviews · Running trail in Picacho, Arizona · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Picacho Peak State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park with hiking trails leading from a campground to a 1,500-ft.-high peak & Civil War battlefield.
What runners say about Picacho Peak State Park
“The restrooms and showers were very clean, and the showers in particular stood out as some of our favorites from the whole trip.”
“They really set the tone do your journey ahead The park is beautiful and amazing.”
“The low light and quiet atmosphere make it an incredible place for stargazing.”
“There are plenty of trails for all levels, going to the peak is the most challenging but the best.”
Fee for Daily Use is 7.00 and from there you choose what trail to do. We hiked Sunset Vista Trail to the peak. Total time was 6 hours and 2 minutes but we did take several breaks on the way. Total miles 6 round trip.
A beautiful park. The trail up to the top of the mountain is nice. The hike is a bit difficult. There are ropes, and cables, and planks, and things to help pass some areas. Some people decide to not pass one point that is about 2/3 up. The view from the top is incredible.
We stayed at Picacho Peak State Park in mid-January, and what started with a reservation problem on our end ended up becoming one of the most memorable desert stays of our trip. When we arrived, our reservation could not be found, and the park was technically full.
The park staff are probably some of the nicest people you will meet. They really set the tone do your journey ahead The park is beautiful and amazing. The trails are well manicured. This visit was my first visit to the summit of Picacho Peak. Getting to the saddle is awesome.
Trail conditions & character
“The views around the campground are striking, with saguaros, open desert, and Picacho Peak rising above everything.”
“The restrooms and showers were very clean, and the showers in particular stood out as some of our favorites from the whole trip.”
“I’m 61 and this was my first mountain climb since I was a boy scout and I can tell you it is a challenge but well worth it.”
“The low light and quiet atmosphere make it an incredible place for stargazing.”
Plan your run at Picacho Peak State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteazstateparks.com
- Phone+1 520-466-3183
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Picacho
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Picacho Peak Summit
4.9 ★★★★★ 56 reviews
Hiking area featuring climbing and other activities.
San Lucas Community Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 170 reviews
Park offering baseball and volleyball, a playground, and a track, plus a dog-friendly area.
Gladden Farms Community Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 478 reviews
Clean park featuring a splash pad and a playground, plus baseball fields and a softball field.
Dove Mountain West Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 65 reviews
Clean family-friendly park featuring a playground, basketball and pickleball courts.
