HikeArizona.COM

Trying to put together a late summer camping trip with our camping friends from Phoenix. Looking at someplace that we can all get to in roughly 2-2.5 hours now that I live in Tucson. Pulling up the map it appears the area around Pinal Peak and the Sulphide Del Ray area in particular fits the bill. Nothing fancy, just car camping, hiking and beer drinking is all I'm looking for. Need space for probably 4 tents max.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this area? Saw some pics online and it looks similar to where our group used to camp up in Payson.

There are a couple of camping sites on Pinal peak - at the lower end of the mountain with the large trailhead for telephone/icehouse/etc, but likely too hot for summer, and another at the top of the mountain.

The site up top is pretty popular and is first come/first served, so you may not get a spot.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/s ... 9&actid=29

I think that both top and bottom are fee camping sites? Not sure though...

There is also Pioneer Pass campground in the area:

[ Pioneer Pass Campground ]

I stayed at Pioneer Pass many years ago, nice spot and should offer some afternoon shade. No fee, first come first serve, a couple vault toilets for those that need them. I seem to remember a few good sites to fit a few families. There are a couple good day hiking options basically right out of the camp area. Might still be a bit warm, but certainly nicer than Phoenix...

upper pinal is nice. I was there on a hot, popular weekend and saw 2 other groups, who left at 2pm. had the place to myself. I was surprised at that, actually. I think there are 4 spots up there, and about 9 at the other site. yes, it's free.

Guess this calls for a road trip to preview. On paper this seems perfect, almost the same time & distance between me and my camping friends in Phoenix.