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 Reporter |
Summary: This trail leads you to the summit of Quartz Peak (4,056 ft), which is located in the 14,400-acre Sierra Estrella Wilderness. The trail begins in Rainbow Valley (1,550 ft) and starts out by following an old four-wheel-drive track for approximately 1/4 mile. Look to the left as you hike up the road for a narrow trail ascending the ridge to the north. The trail is steep, poorly marked in places and can be difficult to follow--the final 1/4 mile to Quartz Peak is a scramble over boulder and talus slopes that requires careful footing. The views from the summit are spectacular--to the west is a dramatic panorama of rugged mountain ranges and desert plains, and to the east metropolitan Phoenix unfolds over the valley of the lower Salt River. Quartz Peak is a point on the spine of the Sierra Estrella capped with an outcrop of white quartz. Trailhead: From Phoenix, take I-10 west to exit 126. Drive south (left) on Estrella Parkway for 8.3 miles and turn right (west) onto Elliot Road. Continue on Elliott Road for 2.6 miles and turn left (south) onto Rainbow Valley Road. Drive 9.3 miles on Rainbow Valley Road to Riggs Road and turn left (east). Proceed on Riggs Road for 3.9 miles to Bullard Avenue. Turn right (south) and then take an immediate left onto an unmarked dirt road that parallels the phone lines. Follow the dirt road 5.3 miles and turn right (south) at the "T" intersection where a tiny sign post points towards a "trail". Continue for another 2 miles and turn left (east) at the 2nd tiny trail sign. Drive another 1.9 miles to the trailhead where you'll find plenty of parking and a nicely-maintained restroom. (Lat:33.2 Lon:-112.25) Trail Guides for Quartz Peak Trail: Hiking Arizona by Bruce Grubbs and Stewart Aitchision (The Globe Pequot Press) Exploring Arizonas Wild Areas by Scott S. Warren (The Mountaineers) Best Seasons: Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: BLM Phoenix Field Office (623) 580-5500 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by VW on 4/27/2012 This was a great hike and a good work out. Great views of the desert. The road in is a little ruff. You definitely want a high clearance vehicle and even four wheel drive for some spots. Did the hike in last week of April and it was getting pretty hot. Recommend the hike for the winter months. Not a fan of the bouldering at the end but the trail was good for the rest of the hike. 
Reviewed by LOL on 3/25/2012 Congratulations, Bill, on making everyone in Montana look bad. 
Reviewed by Bill on 6/30/2011 Between the ugly panorama and the rednecks I met, Arizona can keep this trail and its people. Give me Montana any day. 
Reviewed by Rood on 3/18/2011 Directions are outdated. It's no longer necessary to turn onto Elliot Road, as Estrella Parkway has been pushed through to Willis Road, which intersects with Rainbow Valley Road. March 2011
Reviewed by Riccardo on 12/13/2010 Very nice hike. I've done it in December, 80F max temperature, still, you sweat a lot. Carry at least 2L of water. Views are wonderful all over, and quartz at the top is very peculiar! The dirt road though is nerve breaking if u do not have a high clearance car, better a jeep. I have been stuck 3 times in the sand and had my friends push the car.
Reviewed by DK on 10/28/2010 Error: Reserved Word Found: --
Reviewed by Brad on 10/3/2010 Intense hike! Not sure if I can use it as an accurate source but when I signed in I was only the second person in a week to do so, the other being a ranger. I found the hike to be pretty tough given my lack of recent training, full of nothing but climbing after the first 1/4 mile. It was literally up, up, up, and it definitely burned. The views were breathtaking. I must say I found the drive over from Maricopa to be pleasant and not too tough to find considering I was offroading to get there before sunrise. I did hear, however, that the final dirt road leading to the trailhead road DOES intersect at 238... I'll try that next time. I took 99th avenue around the Mobile Airport to the power lines and followed those for several miles.
Reviewed by AN on 5/25/2009 Great directions,long bumpy roads, clean bathroom, excellent view 1/2 mile up first peak. Mosquitos over took us along with the heat. I'll have to do this trail in the winter. Views are awesome. Where can I get legend information about Estrella Mountain (star mountain)? Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Maricopa County Hiking, Maricopa County Trails, Maricopa County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
