Picacho Peak has been used as a navigational landmark for more than 150 years. It rises 1500 ft above the desert floor with a summit elevation of 3374 ft. At one time there was a geocache located on the summit (Watch Your Step, GC0737), but it has been missing for over a year and has been archived. Because Picacho Peak is such a fantastic summit and because of its navigational significance I felt compelled to place a new cache on the summit.
There are two approaches one can take to reach the summit. One is short and steep, the other is just a long hike. Both approaches merge at the saddle 2/3 of the way up. The saddle is where the fun begins, expect some class 4 climbing to the top. I prefer the steeper of the two, it is called Hunter trail and begins off of Barret Loop in Picacho Peak State Park. It is 2 miles to the summit and very steep. Plan on at least 2 hrs, round trip, if you take this route.
Update 04 October 2010: The cache is now a small decon container kindly provided by JustHike. Please use stealth when uncovering and replacing the cache. If you cannot find the cache, log a DNF or note, or email me (Mule Ears). Please do not drop a replacement cache.
Because of the popularity of this hike, Picacho may not be the best destination for travel bugs and geocoins.
Update 11/19/12: Thanks to a visit by trailrove, it has been confirmed that there is a SECOND container within 15 feet of the OFFICIAL container. The OFFICIAL (original) container is a METAL ammo can, and this is the only one that qualifies to log a find for this cache. The SECOND container is a small plastic one, and the next visitor is hereby asked to remove this container and deposit any and all contents into the ammo can..
Update 1/3/13:Thanks to assistance from CopperWings and jeepers-creepers on our climb today, all is back to normal...only one METAL AMMO CAN!