Inspired by Trishness' hike description and Tortoise Hiker's recent "poppin'", err, poppy photos from Picacho Peak State Park, I headed out Sunday morning with Skippy to check it out. I've previously done the Hunter Trail assent of Picacho Peak, but this time the "back side" route was the objective. Wildflower season only added to the appeal. Climbing the cable sections with a dog hadn't quite been thought out...

The 9am line-up at the Ranger Gate was 3 cars deep. I paid my $6 entrance fee and snapped up the last parking spot at the Sunset Vista Trail Head. Headed up the trail where a "hiker" was unbelievably taking an axe to a dead saguaro at the first saddle. I made comment about the legality and sensibility of taking an axe to a saguaro in a State Park and received the reply that "I can make a walking stick from whatever I want". I commented that I was now in the possession of photographic evidence. This just happened to stop the chopping...

I eventually made it up the switchbacks to the first cable section up to the intersection with Hunter Trail. A combination of carrying and butt-pushing got Skippy up to the saddle.