Story by Dennis Begin
As snowbirds travel east on I-10 to Tucson, AZ, a rocky mountain with an unusual name comes into view. Appearing to be a dormant volcano, it’s really the result of a volcano flow dating back 22 million years. Just off Exit 219, there is a State Park, an RV Resort and the site of an American Civil War battle that took place on April 15, 1862.
The word ‘Picacho’ (Pic-kosh-o) is Spanish meaning a large pointed mountain or ‘peak.’ The Americans made the name redundant by adding ‘peak’ to Picacho, creating the official name of ‘Peak Peak.’ This towering mountain is approximately 80 km (50 mi) west of Tucson. It’s impossible to miss it as it stands 479 m (1,574 ft) from the Sonoran Desert floor to an elevation of 1,028 m (3,374 ft).
Dennis Begin
The scene of Picacho Peak from the Interstate 10.
Originally, the Hohokam people (who wanted to escape the desert heat) used the mountain for water and shelter, as did the Spanish missionaries who followed. The mere size of the mountain also served as a visible road sign. It would not be until 1846 that the Mormon Battalion of California built a wagon road between Picacho Peak and Picacho Mountain, calling it Picacho Pass. The Picacho Mountain is located on the opposite side of the valley from the peak. The next major development was the development of the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach route, connecting Tucson with Los Angeles.
Dennis Begin
The stunning view looking east to Tucson from Picacho Peak.
Camping
This is a State Park that encourages RV camping and tenting with 85 sites. State Parks were created to preserve land because of its natural beauty, historical interest and/or recreational potential. In Canada, they are called Provincial Parks. Camping sites in Picacho Peak State Park include picnic tables, ramadas, barbecues, dump stations, restrooms, shower facilities and a children’s playground area. Cost of entry currently is $7.00 USD. The major camping sites are labeled A, B, and C Campground Loops while some sites are reserved for Group Camping. On-line reservations are recommended.
Kurt Munger
Getting to the peak is not for the faint of heart. Photo Kurt Munger
Hiking
Before starting on a hike, pick up a trail guide from the Ranger Visitor Center/Store. There are five hiking trails on the mountain with the Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak being the most challenging. Access to Hunter Trail is from either Barrett Loop or the longer Sunset Vista Trail. This is usually a half-day excursion excursion. Close to the summit, the trail becomes very steep with hog wire fencing, metal rings and steel cables embedded in the rock to help climbers pull themselves up the trail. Gloves are recommended and the hike is definitely for more ardent outdoor enthusiasts. Those who reach the top are rewarded panoramic views of the beautiful Sonoran Desert.
Dennis Begin
The monument of Mormon Battalion in Monument Loop.
Picacho Peak Resort
Located at the base of Picacho Peak is an up-scale 55+ resort. There are 311 sites for all sizes of RV’s as well as park models. For privacy, the sites are gravelled and separated by white fences. All also include full hookups and WiFi, but no television. Laundry facilities, showers, a clubhouse, an exercise room and a small cantina are also offered. Recreational facilities in the resort include swimming/hot pools, pickle ball courts, a putting green and many activities – from bingo to potluck suppers. This resort is pet-friendly with some restrictions.
Dennis Begin
The monument of the Battle of Picacho Pass.
Battle of Picacho Pass
The battle started when Captain Sherod Hunter and 120 Confederate Texas Rangers occupied Tucson. Their goal was to expand the Confederacy west into California, which meant defeating 2,350 Union troops. A small skirmish occurred on March 29, 1862, at Stanwix Station [Gila Bend] delaying the advance of the California Union troops for one month. Stanwix was the most westerly battle of the entire American Civil War, and was along the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach route.
The Battle of Picacho Pass, however, remains a minor footnote in the bloody war between the North and the South. It occurred near Picacho Pass Station and involved only a small scouting party with a total of 11 casualties, including those killed, wounded or taken prisoner. The Confederacy claimed victory largely because they killed Lt. James Barrett and stopped the advance of the Union troops.
Dennis Begin
Office of the Picacho Peak RV Park.
The Confederate troops, however, retreated back to Tucson and then left Arizona. Without firing a shot, Col. James Carleton raised the American flag in Tucson on May 20, 1862. The result of the battle is that the Federal Government hastened the establishment of the Arizona and New Mexico Territories in 1863 to secure this land as U.S. Territory.
Every March there is a re-enactment of the 1862 Battle of Picacho Pass. The re-enactment now features infantry, artillery, cavalry and hundreds of soldiers and spectators. The actual battle lasted only 90 minutes and was fought over several miles along the stage coach route and remount stations. Plaques honouring both sides can be found along Memorial Loop near the Visitor Center.
If you’re interested in shopping for Arizona souvenirs, check out the Picacho Peak Plaza on the north side of the highway. Or, better yet, take a day, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a hike in one of the most unique parks in Arizona.