Saddle Trail - Estrella Mtn RP, AZ

Overview
Estrella Mountain Regional Park is one of 10 county regional parks that make up the Maricopa County Park System. Because of this designation, there is a fee to access this park. It is located about 20 miles west and south of Phoenix in the foothills of the Estrella Mountains. It was established in 1954 with the purchase of 800 acres. Today, Estrella Park stretches for almost 20,000 acres and provides horseback riding, baseball diamonds, a 65-acre grass picnic area, and trails for hiking and biking. The park has 16 trails that extend for 43 miles into the Park.


Hike
The Saddle Trail is an interior trail, so some additional hiking is required. To best access the Saddle Trail park at the Quail TH. There is no water at this TH, (though it is very close to the Visitor Center, which does) but there is a port-a-john, a ramada with a bench, and an info board with park rules.Take the Quail Trail in 0.25 miles to reach the beginning of the Saddle Trail. The Saddle Trail is only 0.27 miles long, so it serves more as a connector trail. In fact, this trail is so short you can see the end of the trail as you begin your hike on it. The Saddle Trail is well-signed and very easy to follow. It leaves the Quail Trail heading in an eastward direction. The trail is about 3 feet wide and is composed of hardened topsoil with a scattering of embedded rocks. It does a couple of switchbacks gaining about 80 feet in elevation before ending at the Baseline Trail. That’s it! Since the trail is enclosed by hills on three sides you are provided a limited view to the northwest. On clear days you can see the White Tank Mountains and the Bradshaws. The trail is so short, that vegetation exposure is minimal. Creosote and Palo Verde dominate with a sprinkling of saguaros.

On reaching the Baseline Trail, you have several options. You can return the way you came for a 1-mile hike. You can do a loop involving the Baseline for a 3.40-mile hike. (Though several other trails tie into the Baseline Trail, the Baseline is well marked and there should be no problem staying on trail). Or you can take the Baseline to connect to one of these other trails and make a hike of your choice. All trails are well-marked, and maps should be available upon entering the park.

2024-03-06 mt98dew