Hiking the Northern End of Picacho Peak SP

I continue to basically have this area to myself, the odd camper showing up not staying very long.  The ones who've shown are either overnighters only or keep well away from my campsite.  

Here's what Picacho Peak looks like in the morning light before the haze sets in:

Friday, February 14

I rode towards the Picacho Peak State Park, dumping two bags of trash along the way in a dumpster area thoughtfully provided by someone.

Paid the $7 daily fee and rode into the State Park.  I thought the trail to the north of the mountain would be a short one, it wasn't.  The afternoon sun beat down fiercely on me and I'd forgotten my boonie hat.  I used my coat to cover my head when the sun shone, removed it when clouds moved in.  It worked out with the winds of the day.

I was making for Sunset Vista Point but when I went past the 1.75 mile marker and still no Sunset Vista Point, I turned around.  The terrain wasn't too bad but going up and down rocky terrain isn't conducive to relaxed walking!

Turn around point.

Yep, the wind was causing small dust storms

Picacho Mountains and Picacho Pass through which

the I-10 Interstate runs....

The view as one ascends/descends from 

the trailhead parking lot

Riding Scarlett, I checked out all the loops and public roads within the park.  Here you get a view of the peak, which can be climbed/hiked, if you've the stamina and will.

In a loop near the entrance to the park, I found a memorial I'd missed during previous visits.  It's part of the series dedicated to the Mormon Battalion:

I think I knew that there'd been some fighting during the Civil War but here's the detail.  Folks rapidly driving on the I-10 surely don't realize they're speeding through a mildly historic pass area.

A short ride to the Dollar General in Red Rock for snacks, resulted in this view of Picacho Peak from near its Post Office:

Valentine's Day sunset wasn't too shabby:

The Prelude

The Main Event