Rainbow Valley Trail

by Chris 5/31/2000

At 18 miles in length, Rainbow Valley Trail counts for more than half the 33 miles of total hikeable area in the Estrella Mountain Park. However, there's no need to hike the entire length, and the attraction of this trail is that you can hike it again and again without covering the same territory. Several trails branch off of and rejoin this trail, making it easy to create your own loops.

The best place to start this trail is at the Rodeo Arena Trailhead, which is 2 miles from the Park's entrance. Rainbow Valley Trail heads south toward the mountains. You'll enjoy great views, superb scenery, and remarkable rock formations. You can turn this trail into a 12 mile loop by branching off on the Pack Saddle Historic Trail, or a quick 8-mile loop on the Rock Knob Buggy Trail. For a real adventure, take the well marked Rainbow Valley Trail for the entire 18-mile loop.

Getting There: From the Valley, drive west on I-10 and go south on Estrella Parkway. Continue to West Vineyard Avenue and turn left, then drive east to the park entrance. Inside the park, go left on Casey Abbot Drive North; the trailhead is at the Rodeo Arena.