We see slippers, cowboy boots, sandals and, of course, sneakers. The trail is well worn, but rocky. The best piece of equipment to have is a good pair of hiking boots. We pass some guy with a broken ankle about to be carried out by Pinal County Search and Rescue. Naturally, he was wearing sneakers.
Sufficient water is also critical.
Westberg says this is the time of year when they start extracting folks suffering dehydration and heat stroke. They fail to make it to the top. Picacho is a steep, narrow peak with a lower ridge running north from its base. When you reach the top of the ridge prepare for disappointment. You have to go back downhill along a surprisingly steep trail.