Picacho Peak Wilderness
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Picacho Peak Wilderness is a 10,360-acre protected wilderness area located in southern Arizona, about 60 miles southeast of Phoenix.
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Summary
It was established in 1964 and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
There are several good reasons to visit Picacho Peak Wilderness. The area is known for its outstanding scenic beauty, with rugged hills, deep canyons, and diverse plant and animal life. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, and wildlife watching.
One of the main points of interest in Picacho Peak Wilderness is the Picacho Peak itself. Rising to 3,374 feet above sea level, the peak offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The area is also home to several historic sites, including the remains of the Butterfield Overland Mail route, which was used by stagecoaches in the mid-19th century, and the ruins of a 19th century mining operation.
Interesting facts about the area include its rich cultural history, which dates back thousands of years. Evidence of human habitation in the area has been found dating back to at least 3,500 BC.
The best time of year to visit Picacho Peak Wilderness is in the fall and winter months, when temperatures are cooler and the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities. However, visitors should be prepared for extreme heat in the summer months, when temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overall, the Picacho Peak Wilderness is a beautiful and unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Picacho State Rec Area
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California Fan Palm
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Ogilby Rd Dispersed
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Indian Pass Wilderness
Trigo Mountains Wilderness
Picacho State Recreation Area