estrella mountain regional park

[trekkin_gecko]

will be over on the west side on monday
looking for opinions on the best hike or hikes in estrella mountain regional park
scenery, terrain, anything of interest that represents what the park has to offer
i've been there once years ago to mountain bike, and don't remember anything about it
thanks for any input

[PatrickL]

The park recently changed Rainbow Valley Trail, which I thought was the best in the park because it actually climbed into the hills. I haven't been on it since, but I know that they rerouted it around the hills (see here).
The views are probably still nice, but there's hardly any elevation gain, if that's your bag. That said, I would still recommend Rainbow Valley to Gadsden, as it's a great representation of the park. Let's be honest, though, you're better off just going to the White Tanks. ;)

[trekkin_gecko]

well, i'll be in the neighborhood on monday
thanks for the suggestion, patrick

[asu9165]

For rainbow valley trail, you just go around the second hill. That portion is new adds maybe 0.5 mi to the hike. I would suggest the Old Rainbow Valley loop. Which incorporates Rainbow Valley/ Toothacher/ Gadsen then back on Butterfield(Rainbow Valley East trail). It's about 9 miles. But would suggest just about anything in the White Tanks over this