Finally reached the top of Picacho Peak

Finally made it to the top after three tries. Picacho is one of those peaks that because of its proximity to people seems to be easier then it really is. Ya that I10 in the background of the obligatory summit shot. 

Marlys and I have attempted this hike the last two years; once from the backside Sunset Vista Trail and once from the more direct east side Hunter Trail. Both times we were stopped either by a shortage of water or just seeing the quasi- "via ferrata" route that is part of the route.

We were drawn to this peak because of the state park in which is sits and is about half way between Phoenix and Tucson. This is once of our favorite stops during the late winter southwest loops we generally take with the camper.

While visiting CK/BK at their winter camp in San Tan Valley, BK and I decided to give it another try on St. Patrtick's Day before hitting the pubs. 

We went up via the front side to the notch on the right side of this shot: http://azstateparks.com/parks/pipe/gallery_01.html . It cross' to the west side via the notch and then along the back side using a few cable assist and caged traverses. 

Even with the cables it is pretty sporty. 

Having brought Dusty with us the previous two times it became pretty clear that this is not a hike for dog's.

It took us about 90 minutes to reach the top. Which gives a view of both metro areas.

After another 90 minutes getting down, passing numerous folks heading up. As in Colorado most were not prepared with the needed, water, boots or leather gloves. Some were pretty far up the trail. It did go through my mind a few times what the evacuate of someone from here would be like.

Over the course of the next week, we also hit the trails in the Superstition Mountains twice once going up to the hieroglyphs and another time to the Weavers Needle overlook.

We also did a mid-day hike through the San Tan Mountain Park on the goldmine trail. Even though this was a pretty straight forward walk, for me it actually was the most challenging physically.

We are back in Colorado preparing for our SARTECH II certification tests later this week.

We go back to Arizona for the Grand Canyon Kaibab-Bright Angel hike the beginning of June.

Today though it is snowing back here at Pinon Rock.