The varied hiking and biking trails are what draw many residents and visitors to Estrella. With more than 65 miles of trails available, there’s a trail for just about everyone. National Hiking Day is on November 17, and with our perfect weather, consider paying a visit to your favorite trail – or begin a new hobby that provides wellbeing to both your mind and body.
Some of the most popular trails in and around the area include:
- Quail Trail (MCRP) which is an easy 2.1-mile out and back
- Baseline Trail (MCRP) a moderately rated 2.6-mile loop
- The longer 5.7-mile Blackjack Loop via Estrella Foothills trail which has a 643-foot elevation gain.
- The FINS system trails including Northstar, which is decorated with a Christmas tree during the holidays for family treks. (One of two Christmas trees found on our trails.) These views are second highest elevation to Blackjack
- The newest trails system is Lucero; home to Coyote Creek, Tarantula and Venom trails, among others.
Additional difficulty levels and options can be found on the AllTrails website. Maricopa County Parks and Recreation also offers hiking events including guided hikes and nature walks in and around Goodyear. Trails within Estrella can be found here.
For Estrella residents, there are even more options. Try Sidewinder, Enchanted Forest, Surf’s Up or Upper Bypass which can be accessed by community members anytime, but safest in the fall, winter and spring months. Advanced and Expert trails on property appropriately named Black Widow, Recluse, Upside Down or Up Yonder are also available to residents. Moderate to Easy trails include Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Bootlegger, Queen Ann’s Revenge and Pirates Cove.
Estrella is also home to the 500+ member Estrella Trailblazers, a primarily resident-based group who plan monthly hikes (typically 12 to 16 hikes per month during hiking season) and other events focused on enjoying the beautiful desert landscape that surrounds the community. Group leader Fred Wordell said the group welcomes new members, from inexperienced hikers to expert. He said the group is currently working on a seminar for those new to the hobby. Estrella has provided a start to hikers who’ve gone on to conquer the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim and the 800+ mile Arizona Trail. You’ll find some of our footprints in South America and Europe as many people who’ve hiked here, have ventured there as well. Watch for a Full Moon hike soon and check out and connect with the Estrella Trailblazers through the group’s Facebook page or by emailing them at Estrellatrailblazers@hotmail.com.
If you are new and venturing out for the first time, experts offer the following tips:
- Plan ahead and check the weather. Even though the triple digits are behind us, Mother Nature is unpredictable and can turn a nice hike into a soggy, scary mess so be sure you know what she’s got up her sleeve.
- Bring the essentials including a map, compass, water, salty snack, fire-starter or matches, simple first-aid kit, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Choose the right shoe/sock combination and break them in before you head out
- Pack your (fully charged) cell phone
- Always tell someone who isn’t going where you’ll be
- Pace yourself; it’s about the journey
So whether you’re a novice or an experienced hiker, the late fall and winter months are a great time to explore one of Estrella’s most popular amenities.
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.
