Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Welcome to Estrella Mountain Regional Park. These 19,840 acres of desert and mountains became the first regional park in the Maricopa County Park System in 1954. Located near the meeting of the Gila and Agua Fria Rivers in the southwest Valley, the park includes a large wetland, or riparian, area. The majority of the park remains pristine desert, very similar in appearance to the landscape seen by the first settlers and explorers.
The Sierra Estrella range, or Star Mountains, was once within the Mexican border, and remained so until the Gadsden Purchase in 1853. Today, many amenities are available to visitors, including the only grass picnic area (65-acres) in the Maricopa County Park System .
Please Call John Deutsch 480-256-8688
johnnyd@homesinestrellamountain.com
For those of you that do not know me and even those that do, I love to hike in the mountains. It is great exercise, beautiful scenery and most important to me is the peace I sense as I draw closer to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through prayer and meditation upon His Word. I hope you consider to take a nature hike through the Estrella’s. They even have a guided tour hike at night twice a month. Don’t forget your flashlights and walking sticks.
CURRENT EVENTS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
PARK ADDRESS:
14805 W. Vineyard Ave.
Goodyear, AZ 85338
Phone: (623) 932-3811
Fax: (602) 372-8507
Park Hours
Sun-Thu: 6am-8pm
Fri-Sat: 6am-10pm
– 365 days a year
BIKING
The third competitive track in the Maricopa County Regional Park system, located in Estrella Mountain Regional Park, was completed in February 2000. The track consists of two loops totaling 13 miles. The long loop is 8 miles and is challenging, but may be used by persons of all skill levels. The technical loop is 5 miles and is recommended for experts only.
All of the competitive tracks are primarily used by Mountain Bicyclists, but are also used from time-to-time by cross country runners and “endurance” horse riders. The tracks are designed for high speeds, racing events and fun. They feature steep climbs, and drops, fast corners, twists and turns and rugged rocky terrain.
Competitive Tracks (distances are roundtrip from trailhead)
Long Loop 9.5 mi 15.3km
Technical Loop 4.7mi 7.6km
Junior Loop 1.6mi 2.6km
DIRECTIONS from Phoenix: Take I-10 west. Exit Avondale Blvd and go south. Avondale turns into S 115th Ave which curves around and becomes Indian Springs Rd. Just past PIR turn left on Estrella Lane, which will dead end at the park entrance. If you pass PIR completely you’ve missed the turn.
CAMPING
Estrella Mountain Regional Park offers seven RV sites. Each site has a large parking area to accommodate up to a 45′ RV and is a “Developed Site,” with water and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a barbecue fire ring. Group camping is permitted for up to two nights. Motor home and RV clubs can reserve a group ramada, and park in nearby parking lots. Electricity is provided at the ramadas for small appliances, such as coffeepots and radios, but do not provide enough amperage for motor home or RV hookup. All sites in the campground may be reserved online at http://www.maricopacountyparks.org/ .
Scout and Youth groups can camp at one of the ramadas or at the Navy Area, located on the east end of park’s picnic loop. Groups are permitted to camp on the turf and under shade trees. Picnic tables, barbecues and fire pits are provided. Trailheads and hiking trails are nearby. Estrella has restrooms with flush toilets. Shower facilities are not available. The group campground can be reserved for a fee.
HIKING
Estrella Park offers over 33 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Park Trails range in length from 2.3 miles to 8.8 miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. If you are looking for an easy, relatively short hike, the 2.4 mile Baseline Trail is recommended. If you are looking for a long, all day hike, the Pederson Trail encompasses 8.7 miles.Hiking and riding trails are easily accessible via trailheads located at the arena and amphitheater. A mountain bike trail brochure that categorizes trail difficulty is available at the park office. All trails are multi-use unless otherwise designated. All trail users are encouraged to practice proper trail etiquette. Always remember to carry plenty of water and to let someone know where you are going.
FISHING
The Gila River runs through Estrella Mountain Regional Park. At the park site, hundreds of visitors every year enjoy fishing along the river bank. The Gila River is home to several types of native and non-native fish. A valid fishing license is required by the Arizona Game and Fish department. This site is a Catch and Release Only per the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Scroll to bottom of page for Arizona Game & Fish Links.
HORSEBACK RIDING
As with all Maricopa County Parks, equestrians are welcome into the park riding their own horse and must stay on designated trails. All trails are multi-use unless otherwise designated. All trail users are encouraged to practice proper trail etiquette.
HORSE STAGING AREA
A staging area for your horse(s) is available at this park. Built in 1981, the arena is perfect for any type of equestrian competition or rough stock event. It is a full-scale set-up, and perfect for amateur, youth, and professional competitors. The lighted arena comes complete with water and power, six bucking chutes, a calf roping chute, North and South stripping chutes, six large holding pens, a warm-up arena, load/unloading chute, restrooms, and announcers stand. With overnight camping available, the two large parking lots can accommodate many trailers. Bleachers are handicap accessible.
Two lighted ball fields face Vineyard Avenue within the boundaries of Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Recently, the bases have been replaced and upgrades to the sprinkler system have improved the turf.
Each ball field has:
Six bleachers
Two backstops
Lights
Bathrooms
Parking lot to accommodate buses and over 100 cars