After we left the FMCA convention on Sunday, we traveled west about an hour to an amazing and scenic Arizona state park called Picacho Peak. What a beautiful area! There are Saguaro cactus everywhere. Plus it's March and all the wildflowers are blooming---so incredibly beautiful. I had no idea the Sonoran Desert could be so gorgeous.
Of course we show up wayyyy before check in so we pay for a day pass ($7) and park up at the day use area. We were thinking of hiking one of the trails that start here, but the wind is strong, gusting up to 20 mph so we thought better of it. We both got out of the RV and walked around this amazing area with Saguaro cactus everywhere! They're just so gorgeous and magnificent --it's hard to describe, you have to get up and close to them... but don't prick your finger like I did!
This park and the surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. (see above pic) One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area.
The unique shape of the 1,500-foot Picacho Peak has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times.
There was even a Civil War battle fought here--go figure. A little history of this area: In 1846, the Mormon Battalion constructed a wagon road through Picacho Pass. The forty-niners on their way to California passed thru here. In the late 1850s, the Butterfield Overland Stage was carrying passengers through this area. Picacho Peak’s most noted historic event occurred on April 15, 1862, when Confederate and Union scouting parties met in the Battle of Picacho Pass during the Civil War. This was the largest Civil War clash to take place in Arizona but it wasn't the only one. (I never learned this in history class!)
Here's a bit more on the actual battle: A band of Confederate Rangers under Captain Sherod Hunter raised the Stars and Bars of Tucson, Arizona, part of an effort to create an ocean-to-ocean Confederacy. In order to thwart this move, a Union column from California under Colonel James H. Carleton set out across the desert toward Tucson. On April 15, Union cavalry under Lieutenant James Barrett met with Confederate Rangers near Picacho Peak. (I read somewhere that Barrett wasn't supposed to engage them but he did anyway.) Barrett was killed almost immediately and fierce combat continued for more than an hour before the Union forces retreated. Although the Rangers' victory at Picacho Pass delayed the Union force, the following month Carleton's Californian's eventually took Tucson without firing a shot.
Mike's working this week, so it's hiking on his breaks and longer hikes after he's finished work. He's still suffering from that sciatica nerve pain so he's got a back brace and a knee brace (that pushes on a pressure point) that do help. Plus, walking seems to loosen up his back. We get a few hikes in -- we check out the nature trail which is great because lots of the local flora is labeled. We hike part of the Hunter Loop trail...the part that runs pretty close to the park road which is not too strenuous. Even if Mike's back wasn't hurting, we are not doing the part of that hike that reaches the peak! That's totally out of my comfort zone... (and I quote the park website) The route is steep and twisting, with steel cables (gloves are recommended) anchored into the rock in places where the surface is bare. Need I say more? No way!
We marvel over the Saguaro Cactus which are everywhere, some of which are over 100 years ago. (as per Google--yes, we are getting cell service on the trail) Saguaros have a relatively long lifespan, often exceeding 150 years. They may grow their first side arm around 75–100 years of age, but some never grow any arms. Arms are developed to increase the plant's reproductive capacity, as more apices lead to more flowers and fruit. A saguaro can absorb and store considerable amounts of rainwater, visibly expanding in the process, while slowly using the stored water as needed. This characteristic enables the saguaro to survive during periods of drought. I can definitely see that in this park. When it rains, it pours... or nothing.
Our video is 3 parts long because this is such an amazing place! We spent a week at Picacho Peak State Park. Please put this on your bucket list if you love nature or is a history buff like we are.
Come with us as we explore this amazing area. It's one of the prettiest areas we have ever traveled to. Trust us, we will be back!
Video live on August 10th 7am CDT: https://youtu.be/6AhsFY0d5IM
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