Background History

Picacho Peak/Pass is a one-thousand five-hundred-foot state park which can be found between Casa Grande and Tucson right off of the I-10 interstate. This historical landmark is filled with history that dates back to the seventeen hundreds.

This park did not become authorized until it was able to pass legislation in the year of 1965 due to state laws. This Park ultimately was opened during the year of 1968 in the month of May. The idea of the state park was to commemorate a battle during the Civil War. In the year of 1862, Confederate and Union parties met in order to create the Battle of Picacho Pass. This would be the largest battle in Arizona to take place during this specific war. Therefore, when the park was opened, the idea behind it was to honor those wounded or dead due to this event in history.

Picacho Peak North Summit

In the seventeen hundreds there was an Anza Expedition that passed through the area of the park, however at that time it wasn’t a park yet.

In the year of 1848, a Mormon Battalion created a pass through the peak with the intended purpose of a wagon road. The idea behind this wagon road was based on the forty-niners who were on their way to California in search of Gold. After this road was created, it started to be used in the late 1850 to carry passengers through this specific area. This ultimately led to the battle of Picacho Pass during the civil war.

The structure of Picacho Peak is not volcanic; however, it was involved in a volcanic flow which ended up eroding away. Due to the idea that it is not volcanic creates space for life to grow. In the spring the park is known for the different wildflowers that grow in that area. The wildflowers that are dominant in the area are called Mexican Gold Poppies.

Mexican Gold Poppies

Picacho Peak was first brought up in State Parks plan for obtaining a State Park in the year of 1958. While this area had many different factors that would allow for a State Park it still lacked complete support from state legislation. However, it would eventually gain all the support needed by the year 1968 on memorial day.

This historical landmark also offers the activity of hiking as there are many different routes to get to the summit or peak. However, due to the weather in the desert the timing in which hiking is suitable is either very early in the morning or at night.It is in a very easily accessible location as it is right off of the I-10 interstate.