Can you climb Picketpost Mountain … are there trails there from the Arboretum?
Yes, you can hike Picketpost Mountain, but you need to leave the Arboretum and drive a half-mile west to access the trailhead which is about a quarter of a mile southeast of Highway 60. Picketpost Mountain is a great climb — but challenging if you don’t hike much, and the trail can be difficult to find. It ascends the west face of Picketpost and takes about 2-3 hours, gaining 2,000 feet in elevation. Views from the peak are stunning and on a clear day you’ll see the Catalina Range near Tucson, the Pinal Mountains looking east, and the Superstitions and Weaver’s Needle looking west. You will have a bird’s eye view of the Arboretum, Queen Creek and Arnett Canyon. Make sure to find the famous mailbox at the southwest side of the top and leave your comments in the visitors’ ledger! The Picketpost trail is just off the Arizona Trail.
