Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Quartz Peak Day Hike

when	Trip Report : February 12, 2022
	Trip Report : January 4, 2020
	Trip Report : January 7, 2017
	Trip Report : February 9, 2003
	Trip Report : March 24, 2001
	Trip Report : April 19, 1998
where	Sierra Estrella
the hike	Quartz Peak hike is for experienced and well-conditioned hikers only!     The trail leads to Quartz Peak in 3.0 miles starting from Rainbow Valley. The last half mile of the Quartz Peak Trail is noticeably faint. However, strategically-placed rock cairns mark the way. When in doubt, just head for the ridgeline. The main trail does not extend to the summit. The final 0.25 miles is a scramble over boulders and rocks that requires careful footing. From the summit one is treated to a clear view of rugged mountain ranges, desert plains and east Phoenix. Bring your camera. Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 3 liters of water •  Hiking sticks (a must) Recommended: •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses •  camera
distance	4.8 miles in and out
time	6 hours
EC	+-2690' elevation change
elevations	1543' (Trailhead) to 4052' (Quartz Peak)
type	in and out
starting at	Quartz Peak Trailhead 33° 11.925' N,  112° 14.359' W  [NAD27]
on trail	90%, Quartz Peak Trail
rating	"B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs?	no
cost	Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Avondale
meet	9:00 AM in west Phoenix on the west side of the Fry’s Mercado parking lot at the northeast corner of 43rd. Ave. and McDowell, just north of I-10, exit 140.
drive	See the route map. The Quartz Peak Trail is in the Sierra Estrella Wilderness. It is accessed from Rainbow Valley and Riggs Roads, approximately 25 miles southwest of Phoenix. •  Drive west on I-10 to exit 126 and go 8.3 miles south on Estrella Parkway to Elliot Road. • Turn right on Elliot and go west 2.6 miles to Rainbow Valley Road. • Turn left and follow Rainbow Valley Road south until the pavement ends at Riggs. • Turn left onto Riggs Road and continue 4 miles to an intersection. • Go straight through the intersection another 5.3 miles to a power line road. • Turn right and drive 1.3 miles. • Turn left onto a road and travel 1.9 miles to the Quartz Peak Trailhead.   NOTE: high-clearance 4x4 vehicle required on the sandy dirt road.

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updated Feburuary 14, 2022	© Copyright 2022, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.