Picacho Peak Anyone?

Cakewalk · Post by **Cakewalk** » Apr 15 2002 1:28 am

I was wondering if there is any interest in forming a group to hike Picacho Peak.

I would imagine any saturday would be fine. We can all meet somewhere on the south side and carpool anyone who wants a ride.

Anyone interested?

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » May 02 2002 3:48 pm

I'm not exactly sure on the origin or precise scientific name of the seeds but I hear they're might fertile!

As mentioned in HAZ Development everybody is welcome to a special title. Just send me a pm.

Now back to the topic at hand...

Here's a juicy little treat for broadband users from the HAZ Vault
(beware it's over a half MB)

360 Pan photo courtesy of Gary Oglesby

Cakewalk · Post by **Cakewalk** » May 02 2002 7:26 pm

xellant pic!

I look forward to seeing that in person on sat!

Mike · Post by **Mike** » May 02 2002 8:08 pm

Great photo!

<grumble>Man, I wish I could go Saturday!</grumble>

Last time I was up there, there were maybe a dozen ravens swooping around on all sides of the peak. It was very cool. If y'all are lucky, you'll get to see that, too!

Cakewalk · Post by **Cakewalk** » May 03 2002 2:34 am

Well Kids....

Being the good group host that I am, I tried to get a map of the park and the trails, but for SOME reason, that website is down this morning....

Well I do have this to offer, If you dont have gloves, Wal-mart has some gardening gloves for a few bucks. I wouldnt spent alot for something Im not likley to use again, being an apartment dweller and all.

If anyone still needs a ride from the north/west side, send me a PM.

See y'all on Saturday morning....

snow22_5150 · Post by **snow22_5150** » May 03 2002 7:59 am

Quick question...would anyone suggest wearing shorts or long pants? I haven't done Picacho Peak before or if I have I was too young to remember.

Anyhow, I am excited about this, just have to get the final word on a sitter for my kids, hubby can't get in this weekend. I will let you all know tonight so you aren't waiting on me tomorrow.

Paintninaz · Post by **Paintninaz** » May 03 2002 9:08 am

I'm afraid I'm going to have to flake out on this one folks

, I've got ceiling fans to install before the attic gets unbearable (was suppose to do them last weekend, :roll: ).

Have fun!! I'll be wishing I was there, rather than where I'll be, I'm sure!!

paintninaz

MtnGeek · Post by **MtnGeek** » May 03 2002 11:15 am

What is Picacho Peak? Where is Picacho Peak? how high is Picacho Peak and where is Frys, your meeting place? I might be interested in going. I just moved to Phoenix and dont know the area yet. I live near Dear Valley and I-17. Should I take loop 101 or I-17? I need instructions. How long will it take me to get to Fry's? This looks like a cool opertunity for me to get to know some AZ hikers.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » May 03 2002 11:54 am

Unvamp,
Picacho Peak is about midway between Casa Grande and Tucson, right next to I-10. You can read more about it in the trail dex at http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php? ... er%20Trail. It's a very cool and fun hike, with a little bit of climbing involved, but not very technical stuff.

To get to Fry's Electronics, take I-I7 south to I-10, go east on I-10. You'll exit I-10 at Baseline Road, turn right, and Fry's Electronics will be just past the freeway on the right. You can't miss it, it's huge.

Have a good time, I wish I could make this one!!

GTG_AZH · Post by **GTG_AZH** » May 03 2002 12:39 pm

I don't think Linda and I will make this one. Sudden change in weekend plans has wrecked my Saturday hiking time. Enjoy the hike, maybe we'll catch up next time.

GTG

desert dweller · Post by **desert dweller** » May 03 2002 12:53 pm

So Cakewalk, how many are now confirmed for the hike?

The flat area on top of the peak isn't that big, ya know.

Cakewalk · Post by **Cakewalk** » May 03 2002 2:11 pm

Snow22_5150: Im sure shorts are fine, It looks like there is a clear trail to the summit.

Unvamp: Please feel free to join us.

Im not sure how many we still have going, but I will be at fry's parking lot untill 7 am. ( small silver car at a far end of the lot. )

Hope to see someone ( anyone ) there.

MtnGeek · Post by **MtnGeek** » May 03 2002 2:22 pm

I think I will force myself to get up at 5:00 to be there. I need a good hike and this is a good way to meet people anyway.

snow22_5150 · Post by **snow22_5150** » May 03 2002 6:27 pm

Hey cakewalk feel free to call me Kristyn.

It is confirmed, I will be there. I have to pick my MIL up, but should make it there by 645. See ya tomorrow!

Cakewalk · Post by **Cakewalk** » May 03 2002 7:05 pm

yay!

Ok kristyn.... see ya there

MtnGeek · Post by **MtnGeek** » May 03 2002 9:21 pm

If you see a charcoal coulered nissan with a bounch of stickeers on the back looking lost, its me. FLAG ME DOWN!!!! I dont want to get up at 5:00 and miss you when you when your there.

Cakewalk · Post by **Cakewalk** » May 04 2002 1:27 pm

The Picacho peak group hike was a great success..

In all 5 people participated. We all summited in about an hour and a half.

The trail was more difficult than I expected, but thats one more on my list of conquered peaks.

Thanks to everyone to participated, hope to see you on the trails!

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » May 04 2002 9:46 pm

It's a cool hike isn't it! I'm glad everyone enjoyed it...ya gotta love the fact that after you bust your but to get to the saddle, you then descend almost as much as you ascended to then turn around and head back up again...that is if you took the shorter trail from the eastern side, if not, than you certainly missed some fun!

Cakewalk · Post by **Cakewalk** » May 05 2002 1:44 am

Yeah.. we took the hunter...

I was horrified to see all that altitude lost, and so quickly. As I descended that part, I was thinking ' what goes down, must turn around and go back up...'

It was a great time!

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » May 05 2002 1:49 am

Now you just need to keep that one in mind for wildflowers in late Jan -Feb after a wet winter.

It's like Siphon Draw if not better. The place is unbelievable!

olesma · Post by **olesma** » May 09 2002 9:42 pm

Definitely a good hike - it was good to meet some of the members of the group. I was a little bummed out that there were only 5 of us - but a smaller group was able to travel a little faster I think.

I have to say that I showed either my age or my lack of fitness (whichever excuse you prefer) - got my butt kicked both up and down. I'm more accustomed to being the one in front pulling or in the back pushing everyone else along. Instead I got my butt dragged up and then hauled down.

But still...I had forgotten how fun that hike really was. I hadn't done it in probably 5 years or so. Good times.

That's just about it for the desert hikes for this summer though - I think it's time to move on to the mountain hikes. Getting a little hot.....

Picacho Peak Anyone?

Picacho Peak Anyone?

Picacho Peak?

Attendance

How Many?

I'll be there!

Huffin and puffin