Picacho Peak. Jan 01, 2020 @ 1PM. Total Distance: 3.9 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft.  Peak #6 of the AZ Winter #sixpackofpeaks Challenge.

Saved the best for last!  This hike was somewhat brutal, partially due to the exhaustion of completing 5 hikes over the past 48 hours, but also because the last half mile is 800 ft of vertical climbing with cables necessary to navigate the sheer rock face, and to skirt around the rock formations near the top.  It’s an awesome upper body workout!  I only wish I had a trail like this in my area; I’d be scrambling up it every day.

From the trailhead you wonder how is it possible to get to the top since you see no trail.  Once you reach the saddle, about halfway up, the trail descends steeply, also with cables, then climbs back up around the opposite west-facing side.

Useful tips: just like Flatiron, don’t bring trekking poles, and wear gloves with a good grip!

Arizona Winter Six-Pack of Peak Challenge completed in just 3 days! ???? ????????????????????