Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Arizona is a natural desert gem located about 19 miles southwest of downtown Phoenix. Spanning over 20,000 acres, it’s the oldest regional park in Maricopa County and is prized for its rugged terrain, scenic views, and diverse desert ecosystems. The park is nestled within the Sierra Estrella mountain range, making it a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and nature enthusiasts.
By combining the Toothahker, Dysart and Rainbow Valley Trail, hikers can complete a wonderful 4.8mi loop in the park. Hikers will leave out of the Toothahker/Rainbow Valley trailhead which is by the equestrian parking lot on the east side of the park. The trailhead has restrooms but hikers should be prepared to bring their own water. Hikers can complete the loop in either direction and there is minimal elevation gain along the trail. This trail is also used by mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Hikers will set off along the Toothaker Trail for 1.3 miles along the rolling hills of the trail. Along this portion of the trail, hikers will have stunning views of the Estrella Mountains to the south and east and this is the most scenic portion of the trail. Hikers will then make a right turn when the trail intersects with the Dysart Trail and follow that for the next ¾ mile until they reach the Rainbow Valley Trail. Hikers will stay along this trail as it will loop them around back to the trailhead. The first portion of the Rainbow Valley trail will be along the outskirts of the suburbs so it will feel less remote for about a mile until hikers make the final turn east back to the trailhead.
This trail gives hikers at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park a taste of the Sonoran Desert’s diversity.
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