AZ Trip #2: Visit to Picacho Peak State Park- Westernmost Civil War Battle

Rob and Dan at Picacho State Park in 100F Temps

During my short trip to southern Arizona to visit our friend Dan, one of the places we visited was Picacho Peak State Park. When we arrived it was already about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and we were under an Excessive Heat Warning. You'll learn about the peak, why its famous, flowers, and its westernmost part of the Civil War.

Dan in front of the peak

WHERE IS IT LOCATED? - Picacho Peak is located along Interstate-10 in southern

Picacho Peak

sans-serif;">Arizona. The park is located between Casa Grande and Tucson in Pinal County.

Civil war cannon

WHAT IS PICHACHO PEAK STATE PARK - It is a state park in Picacho, Arizona.  Its centerpiece spire is visible from downtown Tucson, a distance of 45 miles. The summit rises to 3,374 feet above mean sea level.
Hunter Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike to the top of Picacho Peak.
WHY IS IT FAMOUS? - The unique shape of the 1,500-foot Picacho Peak has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. ... Picacho Peak is not a volcanic cone, but is part of a volcanic flow that has been partially eroded away. It has long been known for its spring display of wildflowers.

Civil war marker

FLOWERS - Although there were no flowers anywhere to be seen in the scorching August sun and dry heat, the peak is apparently famous for flowers. The park is celebrated for wildflowers that appear mid-February to early April following good winter rain. 

THE PEAK WAS IN FICTION - Picacho Peak features prominently in the novel The Host by Stephenie Meyer, serving as a guide to the main character in the first act of the story. Much of the action of the novel takes place in or near the state park. 

Confederate Territory

Battle sign

THE CIVIL WAR- In Mid-April 1861, Union soldiers were withdrawn from Arizona and New Mexico territories. The Confederates expanded into the southwest, as a gateway to California. Confederates occupied Tucson in the summer of 1861 and lookouts were stationed at Picacho Pass.

>THE BATTLE AT PICACHO On April 15, 1862, The Confederate States of America occupied the Arizona territory. Confederate soldiers killed 3 Union soldiers and wounded 3 others.This was the westernmost battle of the Civil War. The Confederate Territory consisted of the southern half of Arizona as well as New Mexico.

Picacho Peak state park

WHY WERE THE CONFEDERATES IN ARIZONA? They wanted to capture the gateway to California.

NEXT: THE AIRPLANE GRAVEYARD