How have we not stopped here before?

We have passed by Picacho Peak State Park several times and always commented that it looked like a nice place to camp and hike. Our stop here is only overnight but we were impressed. Even being close to the interstate and a railroad track, the noise level was very low.

It is so green! When we checked in, the ranger said that it was like being at a golf course with all the grass everywhere. They had a lot more rain than normal and everything was blooming and sprouting.

The campgrounds were nice with large sites surrounded by huge cactus and other desert plants. Many of the Sequoia are over 20 feet tall.

The mountain rises to 3,374 feet or 1,500 feet above the park and has several hiking trails including one that goes all the way to the peak though that trail suggests wearing good gloves as the trail is a cable supported trail.

I could not have guessed but this is also a site of a Civil war battle. The battle of Picacho pass was the most western battle in the war.

Sadly, we will have to come back to take the hikes. For several reasons, this is only an overnight stop this time.