Estrella Mountain Regional Park has many trails within it, a great beginner to intermediate friendly trail is the Rainbow Valley to Toothaker Loop Trail. This 6.6 mile hike is mostly flat with a few steep sections on the Rainbow Valley Trail. 

The trailhead for both the Rainbow Valley and Toothaker Hiking Trails is located across from the park’s Rodeo Arena. Starting the loop on the Rainbow Valley Trail, the first 3/4-mile of the hike crosses a shallow valley, as it works its way towards the park’s northern hills.

For the next mile and a half, the path winds flatly along the sides of these hills. Scenic views of Goodyear, its airport and the distant peaks of the White Tank Mountains span generously to the north. At about 2.5 miles, the Rainbow Valley Trail gently descends the hillsides, crosses a soft sandy wash, and begins to curve back towards the heart of the park.

The views shift graciously from suburban vistas to stretches of flat desert rimmed by distant purple mountains. Ascending between two hills, the path steepens for a bit as it continues winding into the park’s interior. A tall, boulder laden crest marks the highest point of the Rainbow Valley and Toothaker Hiking Trail Loop. From the top of the boulders, lengthy views of the Estrella Mountain’s undulating interior hills stretch in every direction From this point on the Rainbow Valley and Toothaker Hiking Trail Loop mildly descends and then evens out. 

The Rainbow Valley Trail ends at a T-intersection with the Toothaker. Turning left, the path remains flat as it moves along the side of a deeply carved wash.

With the exception of one brief wash crossing, the Rainbow Valley and Toothaker Hiking Trail’s last two miles are easy and even, moving across the valley floor. Occassional mountain bikers should be expected as the trail is shared usage and ideal riding territory.Courtesy of azutopia.com

Note: There is a $6 entry fee for Estrella Mountain Regional Park.