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A challenging ascent up Picacho Peak.


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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.7

KM

Point to Point

2,698' 822 m

High

1,999' 609 m

Low

713' 217 m

Up

53' 16 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (8°)

48%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Trails are closed sunset to sunrise. Park is closed 10pm to 5am.

Description

This trail leaves from the Bartlett Loop and is the shorter but steeper of the two routes to the summit of Picacho Peak. The trail travels along the north side of the park. You'll reach a saddle with a bench after many steep switchbacks, and then start descending a very steep slope with cables and wooden steps for assistance. After the descent, the trail begins another very steep ascent with cables -- some sections are nearly vertical and would be considered class II-III climbing without the cables. Once past the cables, you'll reach another saddle and climb a series of switchbacks until you reach the summit. You'll enjoy fantastic panoramic views at the top.

Know your limits before tackling this trek -- this is more than a simple walk-up summit! Gloves are recommended to protect your hands on the cables, especially when it's hot outside. Bring plenty of water.

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers are seasonal

Contacts

Shared By:

Chad Dailey with improvements by Ricky Holzer

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 20 votes

#477

Overall
  4.4 from 20 votes
5 Star
45%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#28

in Arizona

#477

Overall
8 Views Last Month
621 Since Sep 15, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
18%
12%
65%
6%

Photos

Sunrise on Hunter Trail
Oct 24, 2023 near Eloy, AZ
View from the trail.
Nov 16, 2021 near Eloy, AZ
Early morning at the trailhead of Hunter Trail.
Oct 24, 2023 near Eloy, AZ
View along the Hunter Trail
Dec 27, 2018 near Eloy, AZ
Early morning on Hunter Trail.
Oct 24, 2023 near Eloy, AZ
View from the saddle
Dec 27, 2018 near Eloy, AZ

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 6 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 24, 2023
Stewart Carnes
Feb 11, 2023
Haley Tucker
2.2mi
Jan 26, 2023
Chris R
Oct 25, 2021
Stewart Carnes
Nice hike with great views. Hunter trail is well marked and easy to follow. Rugged trail up to the saddle. The trail then steeply drops on the bac…
Aug 14, 2021
Josh Gibbel
Went from the parking lot to the summit. Beautiful day. Nice and cool for August. — 0h 49m
Jan 1, 2021
Mahes Prasad
Hiked Hunter to the Peak and back down 3.2mi — 7h 30m
Dec 1, 2020
Meggie Tran
5h 10m
Jan 4, 2020
Shutter Fly
Very fun! — 8h 45m
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