Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Campground Review: Picacho Peak State Park, AZ

Oh it's good to be back in the desert, especially the Sonoran desert. It's greener than the desert we are used to in California and it's got my favorite cactus sentinels standing watch over the landscape: saguaro's. We've had a gorgeous three nights at Picacho Peak State Park.

We had site B-14, a perimeter site, perched at the convergence of several small washes. The sites are huge and well separated, and have electric hookups only. Potable water is available at the dump station and it's easy to fill your tank on the way into the campground. Perimeter sites are preferrable to center sites, many of those were very barren and open to all the other center sites. Take a good look at Google Maps when selecting a site.

Though the campground offers wifi for a fee, we used our own with a super strong Verizon signal. Restroom/shower facilities are large and clean and free.

Interstate 10 and train tracks run about half a mile away so you do hear freeway noise, but it's muted and it's neat to watch the colorful freight trains roll by regularly (no train whistles). The Park is situated between Phoenix and Tucson so the trails can be busy on the weekend.

Minutes after setting up camp I walked Rosie outside and we saw a mama javelina with two babies running through the wash! Minutes after putting out a bird feeder we had Gila Woodpeckers feeding! Hawks circled overhead each day.

Several miles of trails are available at the Park promising outstanding views and an excellent workout among the cactus.

This was a wonderful place to stay, especially if you have a perimeter site. We would definitely stay here again. Rosie loved it too!


Perimeter site B-14.
We can sit overlooking the washes watching for critters.

We circumnavigated the lava hill in the above photo and found morteros!

Fabulous sunsets!





I am so happy and content I'll just sun myself right here on the rocks.

Rubbing my back on the rocks is awesome!

This is the life!

Can we stay here forever...please?






15 comments:

  1. Looks like a great spot to spend a few days. Nice view from your site- and of course if Rosie liked it then it must be good! We'll be coming through Tucson the third week of Feb. Would love to catch up and go for a hike or beer (or both)! See you down the road.

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    1. Cool! We will be at Desert Trails RV Park until Feb 28. It is very close to Gilbert Ray campground in Tucson Mountain Park which you guys would probably like. We can bike to Gilbert Ray from Desert Trails. Looking forward to seeing you guys!

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    2. Yup we're already planning on staying at Gilbert Ray. Stayed there last year and loved. Will be arriving on the 17th. See you then!

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    3. Ah, forgot you were here last year...we hadn't met you yet!

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  2. We've stay at Picacho Peak a couple times and really enjoyed it, too.
    That crazy Rosie! Doesn't look too comfortable rolling around on the rocks.

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  3. You're staying at one of our favorite areas. Just love the sunsets and desert. We should all lead a cat's life.

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    1. We loved this park! I hated tearing Rosie away, she was so happy!

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  4. Looks like a great site! Beautiful sunset:)

    Rosie certainly did put on a show for the camera. They do enjoy rolling in the dirt and gravel. We want Rosie to be happy with her changing homes, also:)

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    1. She's rolling in the dirt at our new place too! She's not going to be white for long at this rate!

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  5. Great review of the campground! Rosie looks so content.

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  6. Welcome back to my back yard. I have been following your blog senses you left her last year what an adventure. Picacho Peak is a favorite hiking areas for a lot of people around here. Loved your review of it and the pic's wore great hope your visit this year is good.

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  7. We have been following you since San Clemente state Park. Decided to check out Pichacho Peak, and we loved it. Grabbed B-14, and it is a great site. Thanks for the review

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    1. Thanks for reading the blog! So glad we could show you someplace fun!

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