HikeArizona.COM

Is anyone planning a hike up Picacho Peak? I've never been and don't want to go alone the first time.

It's hotter then hell there this time of year!

Don't worry you can never be alone on Picacho. It's the most frequently hiked trail in the Nation.

Personally, I would wait a couple months till it cools off. Last night was the hottest ever in Phoenix at 96, so even hiking in the cool part of the day is hot. The hike itself is great, I would take someone along though as there are some hairy spots on the way up. Check out the pictures/summaries in the trail index, I believe it's called the Hunter Trail.

I strongly suggest not going to Picacho until it cools off. Every year we pull at least one body off that mountain in the summer.

Also, with the fires resources are thin, so don't get lost this weekend!

Thanks for all the info! I'll check back around, say, September.

This time of year would be like hiking in a pizza oven.

Just start near 5 in the morning, people do the local mountains all summer long. Also, Picacho is not the most frequented trail in the nation.

lwy678 wrote:Thanks for all the info! I'll check back around, say, September.

Try more like November or later. I've found the hike to be most plesant as an overall experience in the middle of winter. It gets mighty hot out there and you're really exposed to the sun for the bulk of the hike. Once those rocks heat up it really is like hiking in an oven.

However, if we have a good monsoon and a nice wet winter, strongly consider going again in April when the wildflowers are in bloom. Great spot for that.

sidhayes wrote:Also, Picacho is not the most frequented trail in the nation.

My Bad - I was thinking of Piestewa Peak when I posted that, not Picacho. Sorry!