A fellow we met on Mount Wasson, Mike, suggested we try out the hike to the summit of Picacho Mountain.
He described it briefly and it seemed to be much like Angels Landing in Zion. We found it had some common features
with the Angel but they are each unique—great experiences but different. The editor was apprehensive when she heard
that the length is 2.1 miles one way but the cumulative elevation gain is 1,800 feet with cables in quite a few places.
She enjoyed some great whining although assured me it was all in good spirit. I’m still trying to figure out that
classification of whining. She also told me that throughout the hike she decided ‘never again’. The following day,
she also mentioned that she looks forward to repeating the climb. I’m wondering which of the dual personalities
to believe. Nevertheless, she was grand all the way....as always.
After reading the sign, the editor became a little tense.
A view of Picacho Peak from Casa Grande Mountain. It illustrates the two peaks nicely. There's no
McDonald's at the top, nevertheless, we enjoyed breakfast on the high point.
Bird's-eye view of the desert surface covered in saguaros as seen from Picacho Peak.
There goes 'tiger' as she climbs some extremely steep sections.
To Life! Being alive.
When we reached that point, we went down again only to climb steeply thereafter.
Going down on the way up.
The mountain lies between Tucson and Phoenix, closer to the former, in the State Park of the same name.
It has a distinctive look with three peaks and two saddles. The puzzle was guessing which of the three peaks
would be the final destination. In the end, we were wrong. The trail commences gently for a short while and then
rises quickly to a saddle. It then heads down sharply arriving close to the desert surface on the other side
of the mountain. Effectively, a person goes over the saddle, up and down. It then begins a sharp ascent to the top
with extremely steep parts, often with cables along the way to provide extra support. There are many places where
sharp-edged rocks provide a good grip for the boots making it possible to avoid using the cables. However, we imagine
many people hold on to those cables—some extremely tightly.
Going up again.
Smaller peak below us.
Standing near a vertical wall to capture the scene.
Getting closer.
Finally: Picacho Peak.
A view from the summit.
Once at the summit, there is another climb to a peak which has a small but flat top with ideal rocks to seat
oneself and eat breakfast—something we did. The view of the desert surface, covered in saguaros, is a delight
to observe. The mountains towards Tucson softened by the haze and mid-morning light, approximately forty miles south,
created visuals that mesmerized us. In fact, the effect on me was so great that I exclaimed, “Life!” We don’t know
whether that’s easily explainable but it made sense to us.
Finally, during our stay in Tucson it became easy to differentiate visitors from the locals. It seems the 'Tucsonians',
if that’s the correct word, love their college so much that most wear a cap, sweater or badge identifying with
the institution. Go Bearcats!
Along one of the cliff walls.
Although rated difficult, it's a great hike with thrills and hopefully 'no spills'; it is not
difficult, in our opinion. Then again, terms are relative and also depend on many other circumstances.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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