Toothaker Trail - Estrella Mtn RP, AZ

Guide 106 Triplogs Mine 0 0 Topics
 
3.2 of 5 
Fav
Wish
0
details
drive
permit
forecast
route  
stats
photos
triplogs
topics
location
250 106 0
Statistics
tap icons for details
Difficulty 1.5 of 5
Route Finding 1 of 5
Distance One Way 3.85 miles
Trailhead Elevation 1,017 feet
Elevation Gain 348 feet
Accumulated Gain 416 feet
Avg Time One Way 1.5 hours
Kokopelli Seeds 5.24
 Backpack No
feature photo
Photos Viewed All MineFollowing
Inaugural Calculation on Button Tap!
4  2023-08-31
FINS Pirate EMRP GNODS Ride
Nightstalker
4  2023-06-24
Bagel Bunch invades EMRP
Nightstalker
1  2023-05-05
Rainbow Valley - Toothaker Loop
Nightstalker
3  2023-03-18
EMRP Gadsden Rainbow Loop
Nightstalker
5  2022-07-10
EMRP Rainbow Toothaker Loop
Nightstalker
2  2022-04-23
EMRP Heart Loop
Nightstalker
16  2022-03-06
Rainbow Valley Trail - Estrella Mtn RP
astrobrewer
3  2022-01-16
Estrella Bagel Loop
Nightstalker
Page 1,  2,  3,  4
Author
author avatar Guides 7
Routes 62
Photos 1,838
Trips 544 map ( 3,097 miles )
Age 32 Male Gender
Location Phoenix, AZ
Associated Areas
list map done
Phoenix Region
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
Radar Map
Expand Map
Preferred Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb → 7 AM
Seasons   Autumn to Spring
Sun  6:07am - 6:48pm
Official Route
 
11 Alternative
 
 Water
Nearby Area Water
[ View More! ]
Fauna  Nearby
Flora  Nearby
Meteorology  Nearby
Named place  Nearby
Culture  Nearby
Tooth...Ache?
by PatrickL

 
Overview
Toothaker is an easy roller coaster of a trail. It crosses numerous washes ranging from small to large and can be a tad loose and/or rocky in some sections. The end reward is a nice view of Rainbow Valley and the westernmost peaks of the Sierra Estrella mountains.

Hike
A couple seconds of walking beyond the trailhead will put you in front of two trails, Toothaker and Rainbow. Take the left trail for Toothaker. Both are marked well so getting mixed up is unlikely.

The light ups and downs will begin right away. At times, the trail will be riddled with rocks and gravel, but there will be a clean and level section running alongside. I found the views of the surrounding hills pretty nice. Namely the prominent Peak 1801 to the southeast. The park seems to refer to it as Knob Hill.

Soon after passing the Dysart Trail, you'll dip into the largest wash on the trail. Granted it's not that big, it is notable. Two miles in, you'll meet up with the Rainbow Trail. The trail then climbs over a saddle, the highest point, and begins its gradual 130ft descent towards Rainbow Valley. On your way down, keep an eye out for a crested saguaro about 10ft to the right of the trail. It could very well be the highlight of your trip.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2011-04-11 PatrickL
  • Estrella Baseline 2013 Map
    area related
    Estrella Baseline 2013 Map
  • 2020 Estrella Park Info
    area related
    2020 Estrella Park Info
  • 2020 Estrella Park Trails Map
    area related
    2020 Estrella Park Trails Map

One-Way Notice
This hike is listed as One-Way.

When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

 Permit $$
Maricopa Regional Parks - 2021 [ fees ]

$7 per vehicle,$85 annual or trade your first born for the life pass

$2 walk, bike or horse ride into park

2021 [ hours ] - varies by park & season


 Directions
or
or
 Road
Paved - Car Okay

To hike
From Phoenix, head west on I-10 to Estrella Parkway (Exit 126) and head south to Vineyard Ave (just after Gila River crossing). Park entrance will be on the right. Once in the park, follow the main road towards the rodeo arena. Bear right at the rodeo arena and proceed to the parking lot. Trailhead is at the southwest end of the parking lot.
page created by PatrickL on Apr 11 2011 10:40 pm
helpcorrectionissue

end of page marker