Hike with your sweetheart on one of these scenic, romantic trails in central Arizona's Picacho Peak State Park. The landmark trail to the top of Picacho Peak is an unusual, challenging and spectacular trail between Phoenix and Tucson: a fun hike for active couples. The Calloway Overlook Trail is a less-strenuous but also scenic option to check out!
The landmark trail to the top of Picacho Peak is an unusual, challenging and spectacular trail between Phoenix and Tucson: a fun hike for active couples. Hunter Trail, the main path to the top, starts on the east side. Throughout it’s well-marked, it’s relentlessly steep and a little loose to boot.
The trail clings beneath two long cliff faces and finally crests at Picacho Saddle, with a wooden bench and expansive views both East and West. This is a fine destination for people not wanting to continue along the strenuous cabled peak route.
While the path to the peak is only 2.1 miles one way, it seems a lot longer because there is so much variety in the climb. From the saddle on, you use your hands as much as your feet, pulling and pulling yourself along steel cables over rocky terrain.
The trail dips down the from the saddle nearly 250 feet; you must re-gain this elevational loss on the west side of the peak. After a short resumption of actual foot trail, the cables begin again. You have to claw your way up this peak. Loving couples will enjoy helping each other up and down the steeper sections.
The Calloway Overlook Trail is a less-strenuous alternate hike taking off from the same trailhead. It’s only moderately steep and a 2 mile roundtrip, winding through very lush desert vegetation: palo verdes, saguaros, a thicket of teddy-bear cholla, ocotillos, barrel cacti. The overlook tops out at yet another saddle, this one between Picacho and Bugler Peaks. The bench at the top offers a quiet snuggling spot, with room just for two!
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