When making the drive from Phoenix to Tucson, there is a mountain range known as Picacho Peak that is hard to miss and calls to our adventurous hearts every time we see it. After several drive-bys, it was time to finally make a Picacho Peak hike a reality.

We've had our eye on this area for years but thought that summiting would be too much work. Or more likely, we were just being lazy.

So we looked up the trail options and it turns out you can get to the top with a day hike. We wanted to hit the trail early so we made it a night/day adventure that was a perfect way to explore the desert.

Picacho Peak Camping

We wanted to start our ascent of Picacho peak by five in the morning so we could avoid crowds and also not die in the summer Arizona heat. Even for us early risers, the closer we could wake up by the trailhead the better.

Plus we're always down for more adventures and decided to add in some Picacho Peak camping before our morning hike. We left right after work and arrived at our campsite by nightfall.

We stayed at Picacho Peak State Park campground and made our reservation online the week before. Even with it being the middle of summer there were only a few spots left.

Most of the campers had RVs but there were a few other tent campers like us. The campground itself is huge with several campground loops and bathrooms.

Since we arrived late, we set up camp by headlamps, then had plenty of time for stargazing. If there is something the desert does right, it's clear skies with bright stars surrounded by cacti.

Our only mistake was not packing enough blankets. It's hot during the day but chilly at night and you'll want more than a sheet...which is all we brought.

While camping, we experienced one of our favorite sunrises. Watching the sun come up over the Arizona mountains while huddled together in our tent to warm up from the frigid desert night.

Picacho Peak Trail Options

You have two options for hiking Picacho Peak and both end in the last 1/2 mile up to the summit.

1. Sunset Trail
2. Hunter Trail

Sunset Trail is longer (about 6 miles round trip) but is less steep whereas Hunter Trail is shorter (about 3 miles round trip) but much steeper.

No matter which trail you choose, the last portion is steep, and expect to use some cables along the way. Some people suggest wearing gloves but since we went so early we were fine without them.

Hunter Trail at Picacho Peak

If we summed up Hunter Trail in one sentence it would be steep rocks and lots of climbing. Don't get us wrong, we highly recommend this trail and would say this is the better option of the two trails up to Picacho Peak.

Just make sure you're prepared for what you're getting into. Since Phil had a hiking trip coming up he decided to try the hike with a 20lb pack and it was a lot.

We were also extra glad we got to the trailhead early because even with a sunrise start, there were other hikers with the same idea. It's not that crowds are the worse but with all the steep, narrow, and cable areas, having to navigate around others presents more challenges.

Since we camped at Picacho Peak State Park, our campsite rental included entrance and parking fees at the park. If you are driving in just for the hike, you'll have to pay a fee.

You might have to pay on the way out if you arrive before the ranger station is open and they will leave a notice on your car. We parked at Calloway Trailhead and just started walking on it until it turned into Hunter Trail.

From there just enjoy the views and get your climb on. As with any desert hike, bring plenty of water.

At the top, there's a mailbox and visitor log for those hoping to "leave their mark". We packed granola bars to snack on while enjoying our 360* view of the desert and watching birds zip around.

Hiking Picacho Peak

After stumbling upon Picacho Peak, it quickly became one of our favorite Arizona hiking trails. It's challenging in the perfect way and gives you a unique glimpse of the desert.

If you are looking for a moderately challenging hike in the Arizona desert, then we highly suggest hiking Picacho Peak by summiting via the Hunter Trail. Go early, bring lots of water and be ready for an adventure.

Adding in the quick camping trip made it easier to get to the trailhead and gave us even more fun in the desert. The stars were beautiful and the morning seemed simple without rushing to get going.

The trip might not have been all rainbow and sunshine but it was still a lot of fun. We did freeze a little bit overnight but that was more due to poor planning on our part.

Kelsey also took a tumble on the way back down the mountain and still has a scar on her palm to prove it. But that's the fun of adventures...it's taking the good and bad and enjoying every crazy moment.