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Ride Summary:
Good variety; fun singletrack, short steep climbs, short intense downhills. Lots of loose rocks
Trail Description:
The best place to begin this ride is the trailhead at the south side of the rodeo arena parking lot. Head down the Rock Knob Buggy Trail, a very smooth dirt road that soon bisects the nearby mountains. After the first two miles, the trail becomes technical and rocky for a short 1/3 of a mile climb. This section is entirely rideable, but don't be ashamed if you get off and walk for a section or two. Once at the top of the hill, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views across the desert toward Gila Bend. From here, it is a nice downhill to the intersection with the Pack Saddle Historical Trail.
Bear left at this poorly-marked junction and follow the Pack Saddle Trail through smooth, rolling desert. Continue east for about a mile into a sandy wash bottom. When you climb out of the wash you'll be heading back toward the north and following single track again. This section of the trail goes up and down for a while and culminates with a short steep climb.
Once at the top, there is a nice downhill run for about a half mile as the trail continues north. Soon you'll come to the intersection of the Rainbow Valley and Gadsen trails (as well as several other confusing trail intersections).
To complete the loop turn right. You'll drop into a short, steep ravine and then wind around the hills on your left. If you decide to go straight and cut the trip short by a mile, you'll find a great single track. Either way you choose to finish, you'll end up back at the rodeo parking lot. If you want to lengthen your ride and enjoyment of Estrella, use the trail map to create a longer loop (in this confusing terrain, it's a good idea to pick up a map at the park entrance anyway).
How to get there:
Take I-10 West to the Estrella exit. Turn left (or south) about 5 miles. Take a left at the golf course heading to the Estrella Regional State Park. Enter on right. Go through guards booth ($2) and head towards rodeo arena. Apx. 25 miles from downtown Phoenix.
Additional Notes:
Race course for MBAA, fast course, $2.00 trail fee
| Posted by: mtnrider on 5/14/2009 |
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Great trail i raced on this trial back in noveber and it was great. not too much climbs and takes you back in a buetiful valley.
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| Posted by: mtnrider on 5/14/2009 |
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great trial i raced on it back in noveber and really enjoyed it. takes you back into a beutiful vally.
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| Posted by: pin cushion on 2/28/2006 |
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it is worth mentioning that the trail description
above appears to be extremely dated, and has
nothing to do with what the trail is like now (I guess
it has been redesigned or moved). this a fast,
challenging and technical trail that is very fun to
ride (even in its loosest, sandiest conditions),
although a lack of technical skills and fitness might
make parts of it not as fun for some riders. full
suspension will make it a little easier going, as it's
very rocky(=very fun).
Certainly parts of it are loose (and therefore
squirrelly), but if you haven't figured out that's part
of the fun in arizona mountain biking, then you're
right to spend most of your time on your road
bike.
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| Posted by: Lone-Wolf on 12/2/2004 |
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Well it has some very technical sections for a new person like me. slippery twisty hills. The Long loop onlt has a few techy parts.
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| Posted by: fred on 10/10/2000 |
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they built a new track in the east area of the park. it has two loops for a total of 11 miles. one loop is very technical and the other is challenging. much better than the old road listed above.
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| Posted by: rick on 3/13/2000 |
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i bite my tongue. they reworked the trail and its 10x better now.
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| Posted by: rick on 1/10/2000 |
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trail has good scenery,but, weak single track.good for a leasurely ride
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