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Nobody plays jazz at the Pit Stop! by kingsnake  This Maricopa Trail segment is described counter-clockwise. Being ¼ mile from houses the whole way, the main attraction is many interesting saguaro. Hike Starting from behind the Estrella Mountain Regional Park visitor's center: Hike all of the Quail Trail, south 1.15 miles to Rainbow Valley Trail. The initial climb past Tres Rios Golf Course is short but steep. East on Rainbow Valley Trail 0.75 miles, nearly to the now dismantled rodeo arena. (Nice bathrooms still extant.) Nice views southeast from above the rodeo arena. Toothaker Trail for a few yards south to Butterfield Trail. From here to Phoenix International Raceway, each trail is basically the same MTB-optimized, mostly smooth-surfaced, rolling track, with multiple minor to moderate wash crossings. Butterfield Trail south for a mile to Gadsden Trail. Gadsden Trail east for 2.3 miles. The Desert Rose Trail is just before the small hill with the stone X. East for all of Desert Rose Trail, 3.1 miles to the gravel lot just outside the fenced & locked PIR parking lots. The first sight of PIR is 2¼ miles away, but with 3½ miles to walk -- including MTB-optimized switchbacks up a 240 ft. saddle. (From the top, nice views back the way you came.) There currently is a portapotty by the MTB competitive track, the next gravel lot over. None of these trails use MTB-only routes. Hikers, horses, etc. are welcome even on Desert Rose Trail. Check out the Official Route and Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
