Picketpost Mountain Arizona
A challenging Arizona hike with steep climbs, rewarding summit views, and a unique mailbox tradition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Picketpost Mountain Arizona
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging Arizona hike with steep climbs, rewarding summit views, and a unique mailbox tradition.
"This is the most difficult hike in my opinion due to the constant steepness of the trail."
🎯 Download Offline Maps
Trails can be confusing; an offline map is crucial for navigation. :iphone:
💧 Carry Ample Water
Bring 2-3L per person. No water sources or shade on the trail. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Mailbox
Summit
A unique mailbox sits at the peak, filled with notes from past hikers. A quirky reward for conquering the climb!
Panoramic Desert Views
Various points along the trail
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Superstition Mountains and surrounding desert landscape.
Challenging Rock Scrambling
Upper sections of the trail
Test your agility with steep rock climbs and scrambles that lead to the summit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Difficulty & Navigation
Hydration & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download Offline Maps
Trails can be confusing; an offline map is crucial for navigation. :iphone:
💧 Carry Ample Water
Bring 2-3L per person. No water sources or shade on the trail. :droplet:
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for grip on loose gravel and rock scrambling sections. :athletic_shoe:
⬆️ Follow Arrow Markers
Red or white arrows guide the way, but don't rely on them solely.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download Offline Maps
Trails can be confusing; an offline map is crucial for navigation. :iphone:
💧 Carry Ample Water
Bring 2-3L per person. No water sources or shade on the trail. :droplet:
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for grip on loose gravel and rock scrambling sections. :athletic_shoe:
⬆️ Follow Arrow Markers
Red or white arrows guide the way, but don't rely on them solely.
✉️ Check the Summit Mailbox
Leave a note or read messages from fellow hikers at the top!
⭐ Star Party Spot
Great for stargazing with clean restrooms and ample parking. :star2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Picketpost Mountain offers a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike with stunning desert views and a unique summit mailbox. While many praise the breathtaking scenery and sense of accomplishment, some find the trail difficult to navigate and extremely strenuous, advising caution for beginners and young children.
"Amazing Hike! First timers will get turned around, pay attention to the stacked rocks (please do not disturb or create new rock towers). My 5yr. old was able to complete, but not for most kids under 12."
Benjin Vogel
"I am used to long, hard hikes and this relatively short hike (4 miles roundtrip and 2000 feet of elevation gain) was surprisingly pretty tough. Out of all the mountains I have done in and outside Phoenix, South Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Camelback, Superstition Mountain and the Flatiron at Lost Dutchman's State Park, this is the most difficult in my opinion due to the constant steepness of the trail.
The views on the way up though, are absolutely awesome, there is a plateau where you can rest and admire the town below as well as the surrounding area. The mailbox is a nice touch at the top, the story of how it got to the top is hilarious..."..resided in Lynden, Washington for years, was barreled over by an East Indian...almost destroyed by a drunken Guatemalan....retired, reshaped and relocated at this spot where it is believed to be relatively safe from either....."
I am thinking the owner of the mailbox must have climbed Mailbox Peak in the state of Washington to have had this idea."
Rolf Shmidt
"We frequently visit Picket Post Mountain for Star Parties with the East Valley Astronomy Club. There is plenty of parking, beautiful landscapes, and the bathrooms are super clean. I highly recommend Picket Post Mountain"
Dan Sharayko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Picketpost Mountain is located near Superior, Arizona. The trailhead is accessible via a dirt parking lot off the highway. Many visitors use GPS or navigation apps to find the trailhead.
Yes, there is a dirt parking lot at the Picketpost Trailhead. It generally has enough space, including parking for horse trailers.
No, the summit of Picketpost Mountain is only accessible by hiking. There are no roads leading to the top.
While Picketpost Mountain is in the general vicinity of Apache Junction, it is closer to Superior, Arizona. It's a scenic drive from Apache Junction. +1
The most common approach is via Highway 60 East from Phoenix, heading towards Superior. The trailhead is well-marked off the highway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Picketpost Mountain is generally free to access, with no entrance fees required for the trailhead or hiking.
Picketpost Mountain is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. However, it's recommended to start hikes well before sunset, especially for the summit.
No, advance booking or tickets are not required for Picketpost Mountain. It's a public access trail.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Picketpost Trailhead, which are noted as being clean.
Dogs are allowed at Picketpost Mountain, but they are not recommended for the entire hike due to the challenging terrain and rock scrambling.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 4-5 miles roundtrip with significant elevation gain. It can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the summit. +1
Yes, Picketpost Mountain is considered a hard and strenuous hike. It involves steep inclines and significant rock scrambling, making it challenging even for experienced hikers. +1
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support and grip. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the desert heat.
There is very limited shade on the Picketpost Mountain trail, especially during the ascent. It's crucial to hike during cooler parts of the day and be prepared for sun exposure.
The elevation gain is substantial, around 2,000 to 2,100 feet, contributing to the hike's difficulty.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. Various points along the trail also provide stunning perspectives of the desert landscape and rock formations.
Yes, sunset hikes are highly recommended for stunning golden hour light and dramatic shadows across the desert.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations and park rules before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert views. A sturdy tripod can be useful for sunset shots.
The summit mailbox is a unique and popular spot for photos, offering a quirky element to your hiking adventure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
⭐ Stargazers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Picketpost Mountain Trail Experience
Despite the difficulty, the rewards are immense. The panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking, offering sweeping vistas of the Superstition Mountains and the surrounding desert.
+1 A unique feature at the summit is a mailbox, a quirky tradition where hikers leave notes and read messages from others. +1 The trail is also a popular spot for stargazing, with clean restrooms and ample parking available at the trailhead, making it a great location for astronomy clubs. When planning your hike, prioritize hydration and proper footwear. Carrying at least 2-3 liters of water per person is essential, as there are no water stations and very little shade.
Historical Significance and Natural Phenomena
This trail was vital for traversing the rugged Arizona landscape. Today, the mountain is part of the larger Arizona Trail system, offering hikers a connection to this historic route. While not as widely publicized as other natural phenomena, the Superstition Mountains, near Picketpost Mountain, are known for a unique event: the shadow of a cougar chasing its prey. This natural spectacle appears only twice a year at sunset during the third week of March and September, lasting for just a few seconds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit