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Rainbow Valley-Toothaker Estrella Mountain Regional Park December 31, 2019 by Quy Nguyen |
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| Andy, Quy, Kevin, Billie, Terry, Meng, Michael, Daniel, Gail, Neil, Chuck |
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We walked counterclockwise on the Rainbow Valley-Toothaker loop and started at Rainbow Trailhead, near the Rodeo Arena in Estrella Mountain Regional Park. The trail is maintained, easy to follow, smooth, rolling with many ups and downs, a few points going up, but it is gradually climbing, not very challenging. |
 ... and we’re off! |
 Looking north from the trail. |
 Good desert landscaping. |
 The trail didn’t used to be so well signed. |
 Bird’s nest is well protected. |
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There is no shade long the trail, with some teddy bear, cholla cacti, a few saguaros around. Today it’s a quiet hike. We encountered only few bikers and hikers along the trail. The views are not exciting, but it’s good desert landscaping. When we pass the junction with the Dysart Trail, the trail is rocky and uphill to the Rock Knob. |
 The climb is gradual. |
 This seems like a good place for a break. |
 We’re heading for the high country. |
 The Dysart Trail goes east a couple miles. |
 What a lineup! |
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From there the trail goes down and ends at the junction of Toothaker. We turn left and hike 2 miles on Toothaker Trail. This trail is down to a wash and uphill a few times to the junction of Rainbow Valley Trail. From there we take a short walk on the right and go back to parking lot. |
 Distant view of the 1801' Rock Knob. |
 Made it to the top of the Rainbow Valley Trail. |
 Pincushion cactus. |
 Here, it’s this way. |
 Volcanic rocks at the top. |
 Trailblazers on the down grade. |
 Climbing out of a wash. |
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Nothing is to compare with the good weather, nice hike, good company on New Year’s Eve. → More pictures, by Quy. |
 Happy New Year! |
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Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, Phoenix, Arizona
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updated January 4, 2020