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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 2 Submit your own review 
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)?
Reviewed by klm on 4/13/2009 Beautiful hike - a thorough workout - took me considerably longer than 3.5hrs. Have to use rock pile trailmarkers to get all the way to the top as trail fades away. Last 1/4 mile too rough for dogs so don't recommed ascent to peak with pets unless you can carry them. The best view on the peak for any Phoenix hike. 
Reviewed by Brett on 6/11/2008 Drive there is rough. Hike up is good. Back down is rough. Views are unbeatable. 
Reviewed by JE on 6/5/2008 Sketch. didnt make it to the mountain. the drive there was straight outa hills have eyes. clothes thrown all over and half burried tires and fences blocking shit off. once you enter you may never get out alive.
Reviewed by T.S.H on 1/9/2008 Fantastic hike! I love the view of the WHOLE valley.
Reviewed by Gary on 12/10/2007 This was a great hike! I was getting nervous driving down all of the dirt roads. I am from the south and you just don't go down dirt roads in the middle of no where (Movie:Deliverance). The view was worth twice the distance and the quartz peak was beautiful. Directions were perfect if you use your odometer.
Reviewed by Crazy J on 11/5/2007 Mapped out on GoogleEarth. Trail is Easily Viewable. 33°11'56.29"N 112°14'24.66"W Start, 33°13'50.07"N 112°13'49.12"W Summit according to my map. Look for the light tan lines in the image. Be sure to bring lots of water etc. and a vehicle with at least a little clearance. Summit is spectacular.
Reviewed by Frank L. on 10/16/2007 The directions to the trail head were interesting to say the least but what a fun drive in my Jeep. I was like driving in snow without the snow. The trail looks easy but it is strenuous. It made matters worse that I left my hat in the jeep and we got a late start and it was already in the upper 90's with no wind until you climbed higer. Loved the views. Feels like the middle of nowhere even though Estrella mountain ranch is right around the corner. We will attemt again next week. this time starting out earlier. Would love to camp out there, Not sure if there any any spots that would work. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||