National park · United States
Picacho Peak State Park
Enter Picacho Peak State Park for $10 per vehicle (or $5 per person) and hike the Summit Trail (1.2 mi, moderate) before 10 am; avoid midday heat in summer.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
13 km² (5 sq mi)5 sq mi (13 km²)
approximate
Established
1978
Best months
Apr–May
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 15Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- Southwest ↗Most national parks here charge an entrance fee per vehicle; the nationwide annual pass pays off at three or more parks — check current prices.
- Southwest ↗Alcohol is banned on the Navajo Nation and in many pueblos; some Utah restaurants do not serve alcohol or coffee.
- Arizona ↗Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time (UTC−7) year-round and does not observe daylight saving; the Navajo Nation does.
- Arizona ↗The 22 reservations are sovereign; each sets its own visitor rules. Ask before photographing people, dances or ceremonies.
- Arizona ↗Front-seat belts are required by law; children under five must be in a proper restraint.
- South Central Arizona ↗A car is essential; no regional public transport links the towns.
- South Central Arizona ↗Border Patrol checkpoints sit on I-19 north of Tubac, Arivaca Road, AZ-86 and AZ-83; slow down and expect to be waved through.
- South Central Arizona ↗Carry more water than you plan to drink; heat illness comes on fast from spring through fall.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 13 km² (5 sq mi)5 sq mi (13 km²)
- Approximate; the park covers about 3,100 acres (check).
- Established
- 1978
- Best months
- Apr–May
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Tucson
Picacho Peak State Park offers a short desert hike to a 3,374‑ft summit with panoramic views of the Sonoran landscape, plus a modest campground and easy loop trail.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1978.
Size and age
13 km² (5 sq mi)5 sq mi (13 km²) · national park since 1978
Approximate; the park covers about 3,100 acres (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Tucson.
Why go
- Hike to the 3,374‑ft Picacho Peak for panoramic desert views.
- Explore Sonoran desert flora and spot scorpions and desert wildflowers.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry; trails clear.
- FebMild, low chance of rain.
- MarWarm, before summer heat.
- AprIdeal temps, low crowds.
- MayWarm, still manageable.
- JunHeat rises; start early.
- JulVery hot; risk of heat stroke.
- AugPeak heat, occasional monsoonal storms.
- SepMonsoon season; thunderstorms possible.
- OctCooling, fewer visitors.
- NovMild, comfortable hiking.
- DecCool, clear skies.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scorpions and desert lizardsMar–Dec | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Desert wildflowersMar–May | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| RattlesnakesApr–Sep | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center & Gate | Ticket sales, restrooms, gift shop. | Open daily 5 AM–10 PM. |
| Summit Trailhead | Start of the paved and rocky trail to the peak. | Open with park. |
| Camping Area | 100 sites, some with electricity. | Permit‑free, first‑come. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Arizona State Parks official site; approximate for trailheads.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle entry | US$10 | vehicle | check |
| Person entry (walk‑in) | US$5 | person | check |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$10
- US$5
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Arizona State Parks – Picacho Peak before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on paved paths only; not on summit trail.check
- Camping
- Only in designated sites; no backcountry camping.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves only.check
- Drones
- Not allowed without permit.check
- Leave No Trace
- Pack out all trash.
Where to stay
In the park
Picacho Peak Campground
100 sites, some with electricity; basic amenities.
Near the park
Tucson
Hotels, motels, and B&Bs 40 mi south.
Safety
Heat exhaustion medium
Rattlesnakes low
Monsoonal storms medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor Center and restrooms wheelchair accessible.
- Summit trail has steep, uneven sections; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails to protect desert vegetation.
- Use refillable water bottles; no single‑use plastics in the campground.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Picacho Peak State Park?
Vehicle entry is $10 (or $5 per person); fees are payable at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Picacho Peak State Park?
The Summit Trail (1.2 mi, moderate) to the peak and the Loop Trail (2 mi, easy) are the most popular.
When is the best time to visit Picacho Peak State Park?
Spring (Mar–May) and fall (Oct–Nov) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Is camping allowed in the park?
Yes, in the designated campground with 100 sites; no backcountry camping.
Can I bring my dog?
Leashed dogs are allowed on paved paths but not on the summit trail.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Picacho Peak State Park
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