Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Rock Knob Loop Day Hike
| when? |
Saturday, April 23, 2005
|
| where? |
Sierra Estrella |
| the hike |
Boulders of milky quartz with colorful veins, amid Sonoran
vegetation curiously short on cactus. Where could this be
but the Sierra Estrella (Little Star of the Desert),
a mountain range to fall in love with! We'll traverse ridges,
passes and trails on our way around the 1801' Rock Knob, a local
landmark amid the beautiful desolation of the Sierra Estrella
foothills.
|
| distance |
8 miles |
| time |
5-6 hours |
| EC |
+-1000' elevation change |
| elevations |
980' (Rodeo Grounds) to 1315' (pass SW of 1633) |
| on trail |
100% — Rainbow Valley and Rock Knob Buggy Trails |
| rating |
"C"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed |
no |
| cost |
$6 for parking at Estrella Mountain Regional Park.
When car-pooling, pay your share the cost of gas. The club also
allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member.
|
| weather |
Avondale |
| meet |
8:00 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 |
Go west on I-10 to the Estrella Parkway, exit 126.
Take the Estrella Parkway exit,
turn left, go south across the river to Vineyard Ave.
Turn left and go east on Vineyard Ave. to the Estrella Mountain
Regional Park entrance on the south side (see
map).
Go in the main entrance to the park and pay your $5 entrance fee.
Then follow the signs east and south to the Rodeo Grounds.
|