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.