Blog Date: 3/21/2022
Date Visited: 09/29/2021 & 2/27/2022
Location: Eloy, Arizona
All content is © 2022, Larry Nader & Larry Nader Photography & Art
Located roughly 7 miles southeast of Picacho, Arizona, and immediately off Interstate 10, sits Picacho Peak State Park. Picacho Peak has a unique shape to it, so much so that it has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first references of it in recorded history was in the late-1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area.
In 1773, Juan Bautista de Anza, captain of the Tubac Presidio in Sonora (present-day southern Arizona) was commissioned by the Viceroy of New Spain, to find an overland route from Sonora to California which would pass through this area. This land route would prove to be a more reliable means for supplying the Spanish outposts in California than the current method at that time of resupply by ship. An overland trail would also help the Viceroy fulfill the king’s order to begin colonizing Alta California in answer to recent explorations along the west coast of North America by Russia and England.
Then, in 1846, during the Mexican-American War, the Mormon Battalion constructed a wagon road through Picacho Pass which would be used by prospectors who were on the way to stake their claim in the California Goldrush. In the late 1850s, the Butterfield Overland Stage transported passengers through this area. However, 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 American Civil War.
The Battle of Picacho Pass was fought between a Union cavalry patrol from California and a party of Confederate pickets from Tucson. The battle, which occurred throughout the entire area of Picacho Peak, was won by the Confederates. It was also the largest Civil War clash to take place in Arizona and marked the westernmost battle of the war between the States.
In 1965, Picacho Peak became a State Park when funding was provided to purchase the first 640-acres of land (purchase in 1966) to incorporate the Park. Picacho Peak State Park officially opened to the public on Memorial Day, May 30, 1968.
Picacho Peak is not a volcanic cone, but it is part of a volcanic flow that has been partially eroded. As is often the case, following an Arizona winter when the rain falls at the right times, springtime hikers of Picacho Peak are treated to fields of foliage color with the wildflowers, mainly Mexican Gold Poppies, in full bloom.
Traveling on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, you cannot help but see the historic peak and its unique shape. Visitors to the state park can enjoy the beautiful scenery, hiking trails, camping & RV sites, playgrounds, and picnic areas/ramadas. The Park’s campground has a total of 85 electric sites for both tent and RV camping. And, if you love Saguaro Cacti, this is the park for you.
So, Until next week, thanks for reading by blogs, stay safe, and happy travels!
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