From beginner to expert, Estrella Regional Park offers an abundance of hiking and biking trail options
Interview with Brian Murphy, West Valley Trails Alliance President
The abundance of hiking and mountain biking trails draws many residents to Estrella in Goodyear. With more than 65 miles of paths in the community and connecting into the Estrella Mountains, there’s no shortage of options for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Adjacent to the West Valley’s premier master-planned community is the Estrella Regional Park. Once considered “the forgotten park,” it has recently become discovered by every level of biker which has resulted in more attention from the Maricopa County Parks Staff. “We’ve advocated for work to be done on these trails,” said West Valley Trail Alliance President Brian Murphy. “It’s a great area to ride and we are happy to see the renewed interest from mountain bikers as well as the County..”
The Estrella Regional Park was historically known as a challenging trail system for mountain bikers and hikers, but Murphy said that’s not entirely true. “You just need to know where to go. Some of our favorites include everything from the easiest trail to the most challenging.” Some of the Alliance’s top hiking and mountain biking trail picks in Estrella Regional Park are:
- Baseline: A great short hike or mountain bike ride with rolling hills and great views of the valley. Easy access from the nature center after an uphill climb via Quail and Saddle.
- Desert Rose: The link between the “park” and the competitive track near (Phoenix Raceway) PIR. Also, part of the Maricopa Trail. A nice ride with a summit view of PIR and the valley.
- Pedersen and Gadsden: While not easy to get to, once you’re there they are classic Estrella rolling trails that take you in and out of washes. Murphy advises riders who take Pederson to access it from the eastern entrance due to the west end being mostly sand. Ride it out and back. You’ll feel 100 miles away from the millions of people on the other side of the mountains. At some places, you can’t see a single home or building. Just you and the desert.
- Rainbow and Toothacher: Infamous chunky climbs that are for the more skilled mountain biker. Plenty of fun to be had here.
- Mountain Pass at the Competitive Track: We advocated for this trail and paid for it via grants from REI and the Mountain Bike Association of Arizona. A tough bike climb with a great fast descent.
- Estrella Long and Tech Loop: Loved or hated, it’s a West Valley mountain bike favorite for those seeking a challenge. This trail includes rocky drops, led by a grind of a climb up some switchbacks.
The West Valley Trail Alliance is hosting a trail day Saturday, December 30 for anyone interested in getting involved in the creation and maintenance of these popular trails. More information on this, as well as future trail days, can be found on their website.
Find your new home at Estrella.com and discover why 8,000 families already call this diverse, welcoming West Valley master-planned community home. Located in Goodyear, Arizona amongst pristine mountains and a dramatic desert landscape, Estrella amenities include multiple Residents’ Clubs, resort-style pools and a waterpark, 72 acres of lakes, 65-plus miles of paths and trails, the Yacht Club of Estrella, the award-winning Nicklaus Design course at the Golf Club of Estrella, community welcome center, and more than 50 neighborhood parks.
