Calloway Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers

Park information is available on the Arizona State Parks website. Parking is available near the trailhead, but can fill up at popular times of year (such as wildflower season). Ramadas and picnic tables are also available near the trailhead, and most ramadas have water spigots.

There are sections of loose rock and large rocks, particularly on the last bit of climb up to the saddle.

The Calloway Trail departs from near the Mesquite Ramada on the Harrington parking loop, gently climbing through desert terrain, and passing a small outdoor amphitheater. Alternatively (and shortening the distance by 0.1 miles), it can also be accessed the same trailhead as the Hunter Trail (to the top of Picacho Peak) by following a connector trail east down into and across a small wash.

From this point, the trail climbs steadily up to a saddle between Picacho Peak and a smaller peak to the north. It's not a long run by any means, and in cool weather even families with small children can be seen on this trail. There are sections with fairly steep climbs, though, and in some places the trail requires stepping up over large rocks.

The end of the trail is an overlook with a view to the south and east, just past the top of the little saddle. This overlook provides a nice view of the Tortolitas and Catalinas, with the interstate winding away below. It may not be as dramatic as the view from the top of Picacho Peak itself, but if your time, preparation, or running ability are not up to the Hunter Trail, this can still be an enjoyable option.

In the spring, a wide variety of wildflowers (poppies, lupine, brittlebush, and more) can be found on and around this trail. Sightings of desert critters are always possible.