Picketpost Mountain via Picket Post Mountain Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a relatively difficult, albeit short, hike up to the Picketpost Mountain summit. The trail begins on part of the AZT, expect a fair number of people, horses, bikes, etc at the beginning. There is a trail around Picketpost, as well as an AZT section that begins and ends there, and only an hour from Phoenix, so the parking lot was completely full when we arrived. This almost dissuaded me from going, not being a fan of crowds when on trail. Luckily once the trail veered towards the top the crowds thinned. The assent is step, footing somewhat loose, no real trail, some ways better than others, definitely a pick your poison, but everything about this hike was short, and soon enough you find yourself on a relatively horizontal easy to follow trail that takes you to the summit. Views were breathtaking, even on a hazy day. Could see Four Peaks, The Needle in the Sups, the Pinals. Definitely a hike to repeat, like to see the views on a clear day.

Getting Started

Coming from Tucson we drove the 79 to the 60 then headed east, from Phoenix just go east on the 60. Well signed, can't miss it. If you get to Superior you've driven too far.

Taking Children

Depending on the kid this is a fun trail, and since it is short, no time to get bored. I think dogs are allowed but might be too much for them to climb.