Outdoor Adventurist Meet Picacho State Park

If you are an outdoor adventurist, than Picacho State Park is for you. There are many places in this country that are considered secret little gems or hide-a-way places to get away. Picacho State Park is just such a place and is located 24 miles north of Interstate 8 and Yuma, Arizona. Picacho Peak can even be seen all the way from Yuma as it stands tall like the guardian of the park. It's nestled on the California side of the Colorado River, and it's surrounded by the mountains and wonderful desert terrain.

The state park boasts 54 camp sites, mostly covered, a camp fire center, picnic tables, and a solar water shower. It has two dock areas for launching your boats and a beach area to the northwest of the campground.

At one time, this area was a bustling little town of around 100 people. It was founded when a prospector struck gold around the turn of the century near Picacho Peak. The Quechan people also have a strong history in this area with a few legends often times sung in folklore. If you are a history person and enjoy learning about the Civil War, make sure you make time to watch "The Civil War in the Southwest." It is a re-enactment of the battle that took place near Picacho Peak. They also set up military camp sites and host a few other activities usually around March. Now a protected state park, there are plenty of things to do for the outdoors type people.

You can explore and/or hike Stewarts lake, Taylor Lake, Carrizo Boat-In Camp, the Outpost, Red Rock Canyon Falls, Railroad Canyon, Picacho Mills Sites, Bear Canyon Bluff, Bear Canyon Falls, the Outpost, Carrizo Falls, the Stamp Mill Trail, Picacho Peak, Picacho Cemetery, the Children's Cave Trail, the Nature Trail, the Callaway Trail, the Sunset Vista Trail, and Hunter's Trail.

While exploring, you may get to see a host of wildlife known to inhabit this area. This place is definitely alive. The state park features bobcats, bighorn sheep, wild burros, deer, coyotes, raccoons, mountain lions, antelope ground squirrels, different kinds of mice, muskrats, and many varieties of birds, lizards, snakes and amphibians. The parks also has a variety of plant species due to the abundant water resources that the Colorado River has to offer.

If you are a boating enthusiast, the river offers plenty of action. You can boat up to the beach, visit the many lakes on both sides of the river, fish in the many hotspots, water-ski and swim. At Bear Canyon Falls, tucked away on a dead-end wash, you can climb the rope and enjoy some good hiking. At Picacho Peak, you can do a little climbing and enjoy a wonderful view, and the boating opportunities are endless.

They work on the honor system at the park. It cost ten dollars to stay the night and two dollars for a day pass. All you have to do is stop at the fee booth, fill out the pass information and put the envelope in the little box. If you need assistance, there is always someone around at the park. They have a ranger office in main camp area and there is usually a camp host or a maintenance person around.

If you want to visit the park, I recommend taking Picacho road from Yuma, Arizona. You can get there from Olgiby Road via Indian Pass Road; however, the road drives along the river bottom and is abundant with lush vegetation that is sure to scratch and claw at your vehicle as you pass by. You will also need a four-wheel drive to travel on this road as it is very rocky in some places and Gavilan Wash can be a little sandy.

I also recommend going to the park in the winter months as the summer temperatures can swell upwards of 120 degrees. It can get a little cold in the winter time, but I will take that over the heat any day.

For the outdoor adventurist, I recommend this place for its abundance of hiking trails, water activities and sightseeing opportunities. You will be amazed at the different colors the desert terrain has to offer. I hope you enjoy the park.