UN 3161 "Razorback Ridge"

Overview

 
“Razorback Ridge” resides in Arizona’s Picacho Peak State Park. This is a great lower-elevation summit featuring a spicy eastern ridge and a unique perspective on well-known, higher neighbor Picacho Peak. Very few visitors seem to wander away from Picacho Peak across the saddle to “Razorback Ridge”; their loss, your gain. It’s a joy to take in the solitude on this scrappy little desert peak while gazing across the saddle at the crowd gathered on the summit of Picacho. This rocky mountain is covered in diverse desert flora including Barrel Cactus and the noble Saguaro.

Arizona Rank*: 4,914^th highest peak in Arizona
Prominence*: 301 feet
USGS Quad*: Newman Peak

*Source: Lists of John

Getting There

Picacho Peak Stat Park sits about midway between the Arizona cities of Phoenix and Tucson, just off of Interstate 10 at Exit 291. Both trailheads (for the Sunset Trail and for the Hunter Trail) are accessible via paved roads suitable for all motor vehicles.


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Red Tape

“Razorback Ridge” resides within Picacho Peak State Park, and your visit is subject to the following rules:

Park Rules

• The park is closed from 10 pm to 5 am.


• Littering is unlawful.


• Damaging or removing the natural rocks, vegetation, native wood, or public property is prohibited.


• For your own safety, stay on designated trails.


• Drive and park only on designated paved surfaces.


• Obey posted speed limits and all other signs.


• Keep pets on a leash. Clean up after your pet.


• Quiet hours are observed 10 pm to 6 am.


• Camping in designated areas only.


• Check out time for campers is 2 pm.


• Trails closed from sunset to sunrise.

Park Entrance Fees
Per Vehicle (1-4 Adults): $6.00
Individual/Bicycle: $2.00

Camping & Lodging

  


Many visitors to Picacho Peak State Park will either live in or be visiting the Arizona cities of Phoenix or Tucson. For those wishing to stay near the mountain, below is information about camping in the Picacho Peak State Park. Note that services are very limited at Interstate 10 Exit 219, with no hotels and just restaurant, shop and truck stop.

State Park Campgrounds

Be forewarned that these campsites are all in close proximity to an interstate as well as a busy railroad.
  
Per the park website: Picacho Peak State Park’s campgrounds have a total of 85 sites for both tent and RV camping. All sites are first come-first served. Access to all sites is paved. Sites are fairly level and are located in a natural Sonoran Desert setting. Both back-ins and pull-throughs are available. No maximum size limit (except no tractor trailers allowed). All sites offer a picnic table and barbeque/fire ring. Many sites also offer ramadas, and some of the sites are handicapped-accessible. Use of the dump station is included in price for camping. Potable water is available at the dump station. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Generator use is not permitted during these hours. There are two modern, handicapped-accessible restroom and shower buildings available at no additional charge for campers.

- 62 sites have electric hook-ups
- 25 do not have electric hook-ups
- Water & sewage RV hook-ups are not available
- Two bath facilities provide hot showers

Weather & Seasons

As with most hikes in the Tucson area, hiking "Razorback Ridge" would be most comfortable in the fall, winter or spring. Summer temperatures in this part of the Sonoran desert can be worse than uncomfortable; they can be downright dangerous! Regardless of the season, carry plenty of water in this dry environment.

Be aware that this rock would become slick if wet. I would not suggest attempting this ridge route during or immediately following a precipitation event.

Images

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